Epilogue

b e c a u s e t h e r e i s m o r e t o k n o w

www.epilogue.in CONTENTS

Prologue 3 Editor in Chief Letters to the editor 4 Zafar Choudhary Hear & Hear Consulting Editor Who Said What 5 D. Suba Chandran Columns Associate Editor Keen Eye 6 Irm Amin Baig Ladakh Designs & Layout Agriculture 44 Keshav Sharma Interview 47 Mailing Address Volume 2, Issue 9, September 2008 Diary 49 PO Box 50, HO Gandhi Nagar, Jammu IN FOCUS Stop Press Fire 2008 Review of Media 51 Phones & email Office : +91 191 2493136 Reviews Jammu And Kashmir Editorial: +91 94191 80762 9 Movies 53 Administration: +91 94190 00123 Beginning Of The Endgame [email protected] Post-Agitation 18 Epilogue [email protected] Uphill Task For Jammu’s Politics, Economy From the Consulting Editor 56 [email protected] 22 Amarnath Confrontation : Is It Sureal ? Edited, Printed & Published by 26 Replay Of 90’s ? Zafar Choudhary for CMRD Still No Lessons From History Publications and Communications Find The Enemy Published from ‘Ibadat’, Madrasa 28 ...It Is Communalism Lane, Bhatindi Top, Jammu, J&K 33 Our Mis-Leaders, 39 Hectares Printed at Of Land And Seesaw Of Faith Dee Dee Reprographix, Jammu 35 Jam-Kash Showdown Clash Of Vested Interests Disputes, if any, subject to jurisdiction 39 Reconnecting Kashmir : of courts and competitive tribunals in Need For Reopening Traditional Routes Jammu only. 41 After 2500 Cr Loss, Eyes On Jhelum Valley Road

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Epilogue Ø 1 × September 2008 Epilogue b e c a u s e t h e r e i s m o r e t o k n o w Jammu & Kashmir Center For Contemporary Studies

The J&K CCS, a non-profit institute, is engaged in research on issues of contemporary importance involving Jammu and kashmir

ANNOUNCEMENT For an upcoming project on people of Jammu and Kashmir, the J&K CCS invites proposals from researchers, scholars, teachers, journalists and other dispassionate observers of life to write brief biographical account of the personalities listed below. It may be noted that the list is not complete and will be continuously updated during life of the project. Interested writers may also suggest names of people who, they believe, have contributed to change in Jammu and Kashmir. The biographical account involving a critical analysis of personality, successes, failures and contributions to various aspects of life, shaping up thoughts and present positioning in the public space should be in around 2500 to 3000 words. A modest honorarium of Rs. 1000 is being offered for each submission. Any particular author can not write on more than two personalities. Interested authors are requested to list their choice of personality with J&K CCS before starting the assignment so as to avoid many authors w r i t i n g o n s a m e p e r s o n .

THE PEOPLE Aagha Ashraf Ali • Muhammed Yusuf Taing • Prof Rehman Rahi • Syed Ali Shah Geelani • Syeda Aasiya Andrabi • ZG Muhammad • Khwaja Sonaullah Bhatt • Omar Abdullah • Farooq Abdullah • Mehbooba Mufti • Mufti Mohammad Sayeed • GM Shah • Mirwaiz Omar Farooq • Shabir Ahmed Shah • Mohammad Yasin Malik • Pervez Imroz • Mian Abdul Quyoom • Nighat Shafi Pandit • Prof Hamidi Kashmiri

Contact : J&K CCS ‘Ibadat’ Madrasa Lane, Bathindi Top, Jammu Ph : (O) 0191 2493136 , 94191 80762 email : [email protected], [email protected] P R O L O G U E FROM THE EDITOR

Thus Begins The End

Zafar Choudhary

round three months back a rigging the1987 elections. Then it took front page story in Srinagar 20 years to restore some order of newspaper and later a much semblance. Yet no lessons were learnt. Epilogue detailed report also in a This time around the government in A b e c a u s e t h e r e i s m o r e t o k n o w Srinagar based magazine asked, “who Jammu and Kashmir which triggered the says separatists are not participating in Amarnath landmine was headed by elections?” At that time the buzzword in Congress. The Government in New Delhi EPILOGUE aims at providing a Kashmir was about the forthcoming is also headed by the Congress. Do we platform where a meaningful elections. Further explaining the still need to blame the Pakistan's ISI for exchange of ideas, opinion and argument, the story pointed out that all this mess? The worst scenario this thoughts can take place among the much of the separatist sentiment has time, however, is that there has been people and about the people of been consolidated by the mainstream dangerous fallout in Jammu –a place Jammu & Kashmir. The attempt is to political parties seeking to work under which endured everything silently and research, investigate, communicate the constitutional ambit. The reference welcomed everyone who felt insecure and disseminate information, ideas was to Peoples Democratic Party and in rest of the state. All those gaps which and alternatives for the resolution of the National Conference. One leading were required to be filled in for common problems facing the state example was given of Mohammad Yaqub achieving a larger goal of peace and and society of Jammu & Kashmir and Vakil –one of the founder members of stability have been widened. The gulf in the context of their significance to Hurriyat Conference –who joined the between Kashmir and New Delhi, the South Asia as a whole. PDP and was tipped to contest elections gulf between Kashmir and Jammu and from one of assembly constituencies in more dangerously the gulf between We welcome contributions from central Kashmir district of Badgam. various sections of society has never academics, journalists, researchers, Yaqub was not a case in isolation. He been as wide as it is being seen today. economists and strategic thinkers. was among at least three dozen such When things were normal no efforts We would also like to encourage politicians who continued to toe the were made to make people talk to each first-time writers with the only separatist line and at the same time other. Our present issue carries well requirements being a concern for and prepared to participate in a democratic opinionated essays and articles on the the desire to understand the exercise. A month and half later, when bloody fire which has engulfed Jammu prevailing issues and themes of life in Yaqub issued a statement on his and Kashmir. Gautam Navlakha's lead Jammu & Kashmir dissociation from the PDP; again he was essay comes as an eye opener for all not the case in isolation. All those who those who have been rubbishing the Contributions may be investigative, had been thinking on these lines stand eruption as temporary. Syeda Afshana descriptive, analytical or theoretical. thrown back to the scene of 1990s. A gives a poetic sketch of life's return They may be in the form of original stage has reached in the Valley where journey in Kashmir. Interviews with the articles or in the form of a comment on even the PDP and NC are now shy of members of Shri Amarnath Yatra current events. All contributions have talking about elections. They are asking Sangharsh Samiti –which spearheaded to be neatly typed in double space and for a larger debate on Azadi. This is how Jammu agitation –open a window to the may be sent to the address given New Delhi lost its plot in Kashmir in a discrimination sentiment in the region. I alongside or e-mailed to the editor. period of just little over two months. am afraid if New Delhi can do anything at Looking back at such eruption 20 years this stage but at least the Civil Society W h i l e t h e e d i t o r a c c e p t s back once can recollect how Congress can take a lead in picking up the threads. responsibility for the selection of the twisted the neck of democracy in 1984 material published, individual (by toppling an elected government) Feedback : authors are responsible for the facts, and then buried this institution by [email protected] figures and views in their articles.

Epilogue Ø 3 × September 2008 M A I L B O X LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Mail your letters to [email protected]

They eroded essence of 2002 Get some views from other side Spare labourers also 2002 assembly elections in Jammu and It is deeply regretted that the poor Kashmir were hailed and applauded labourers from outside the state are With EPILOGUE We feel relaxed and world over for their fairness. being treated shabbily by none other informed about the political and Unfortunately what followed later was than the so called secular voices of the otherwise happenings in Jammu and unfair. The ruling coalition partners, the Kashmir. (Biharis on radar in Kashmir, Kashmir, but at the same time it is PDP and the Congress eroded credibility Epilogue, August 2008) God knows, why requested that a view from other side of of the whole exercise for their mutual they are destroying the very essence of and continuous engagement in a bitter Kashmir may also be carried, after all Kashmiriyat i.e. tolerance? A secular acrimony next five and half years. Yes the world knows very little about society like that of Jammu and Kashmir indeed, they had made 30 pledges to Neelam Valley. Now time demands a leaves no space for the communal and the people at the time of assuming vision and voice from Muzzafarabad intolerable forces that are hell bent to office but they conveniently forgot to also, so you can be helpful to bridge the spoil the progress of the state. issue a white paper while demitting the gap. Anyhow the last issue covering the office. Kudos to Epilogue (August, 2008 Ladakh story with statical figures Mohit Sharma issue) for a precise but still fair analysis deserves appreciations Jammu University of the points of coalition's Common Minimum Program. My suggestion is that Zubaid Rana, Media should not succumb when PDP and Congress come for votes Bangalore again, public should first seek a status D e e p l y c o n c e r n e d o v e r t h e report on these pledges before Thanks ! Wajahat Habibullah developments in Jammu and Kashmir entertaining them. we have been just trying to get Reyaz Dar The views expressed by Jenab Wajahat updates from the media. Looking at Baramulla, Kashmir Habibullah over recent happenings in different outlets one ends up in the state (in his interview, Epilogue, confusion. One based in Jammu has August 2008) clearly signify that no II entirely different feel of things than secular and informed person like him the one in Srinagar. And those in New can remain mute at this juncture, Nothing serious was done on the CMP Delhi have altogether different story pledges. Bitter but the fact is that many perhaps he knows more about the state to tell. It appears that all means of of the pledges of the duo went and is worried about the present print and electronic media are unnoticed. Unfortunately none of the scenario. Wajahat Sahab truly deserves somewhere under the influence of two partners is willing to own the guilt a warm appreciation for always showing locals and religious groups. May be that they failed in keeping their courtesy for the cause of Kashmir, surely somewhere crossing the line of true promises. The serious research and time has compelled him to speak up. journalism. To say the least, I am analysis of EPILOGUE is appreciable to People like him, across the society need happy that Epilogue is still adopting a remind us that politicians always to come for the sake of nationality. balanced approach. Keep it up! remain politicians. Avenesh Dutta, Ahsan Ahmed Rather, Kanhaiya Bhardwaj, Poonch Advocate, Anantnag Mumbai.

Epilogue Ø 4 × September 2008 H E A R A N D H E A R WHO SAID WHAT

'No one can airlift land from Kashmir to Jammu. It should be given back to the SASB for the yatra period only. It is just a matter of two months. We should not forget that scores of locals earn their livelihood by the yatra'.

Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Former CM J&K

‘If police agencies continue to use excessive ‘The recent incidents in the state of force, then it will be difficult for people like Jammu and Kashmir are a cause for me to continue in Parliament'. concern. In this hour of crisis, divisive politics will lead us nowhere'. Omar Abdullah, MP , President, National Conference Dr . Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister Of

‘India needs azadi from Kashmir as much as Kashmir needs azadi from India'.

Arundhati Roy, Social Activists and Writer 'Vohra (NN; Governor J&K) is my friend but I still feel his exit is necessary to cool down tempers in Jammu'.

‘We are Pakistanis and Pakistan is us because Dr. Karan Singh, Former, we are tied with the country through Islam'. Sadar-e-Riyast, Jammu and Kashmir,

Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Leader, Hurriyat Conference,

‘The current attitude of the Kashmiri Leaders of all hues has convinced us that our own movement for securing a ‘They (Kashmiris) will neither act nor go there. Union Territory status is justified'. Otherwise, Muzaffarabad is also our area and if they are happy to go there let them go' Thupstan Chhewang, MP, Leader, Ladakh Union Territory Front

Leela Karan,, Convener, Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti

‘Mehbooba Mufti feels her rhetoric will mislead the people on the Land ‘The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is Controversy but she is too inexperienced' reminiscent of the times when a permit was needed for a visit there'. Ghulam Nabi Azad, Former CM, J&K L.K Advani, Leader BJP

Epilogue Ø 5 × September 2008 C O L U M N KEEN EYE

Looking Back How An Explosive Situation Was Resolved 44 Years Back

Balraj Puri

When I read Mohammad Yousuf Shaheen's reminiscences of the mass movement in Kashmir from 27 December 1963 to 4 February 1964, for the recovery of the holy relic in a local English daily, I, too, felt like recording my reminiscences as I was deeply involved in it and had played my humble role in resolving the crises created by it. However, I remained too much distracted by a mass upsurge in Kashmir followed by a similar upsurge in Jammu for and against revocation of the government order for transfer of forest land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board. Even now I would not be able to deal with all the details of the events which I know but only refer to what I could do during those crucial days. The role I could play in the holy relic agitation was facilitated due to my close association with its three leaders, Maulana Mohammad Saeed Mussoodi, Ghulam Mohiuddin Karra and Mirwaiz Farooq. The first too were my old friends, the last, just entered in public life became my admirer till his end. The three leaders led the movement in a well organized manner.

hile in terms of mass pro-Pakistan. Mirwaiz's predecessor on the phone and asked me what was involvement in the protest Maulvi Yusuf was against Sheikh the hurry. I told him that there was so m o v e m e n t a g a i n s t Abdullah's decision in favour of much trust for government of India Wmysterious disappearance accession to India and had ran away to which his ministry had squandered. He of Moe-Muqdas, there was no Pakistan whereas GM Karra was leader further asked me "how"? In reply I said, precedence, it was mainly directed of a pro-Pakistan party Political did he want me to explain the whole against GM Bakshi and his nominee to Conference. How, the holy relic was story on telephone. Then he asked me the post of the Prime Minister, recovered from whom, according to to come immediately. Shamusuddin. This was evident from the Mullik, "was an intelligence operation incident quoted by Mr. Yousuf Sheikh never to be disclosed." I told Nanda that Vishwanthan had when Bakshi Rashid's jeep was thrown refused to get the holy relic identified into the Jhelum and he had to run away As the situation started deteriorating I by the Action Committee and had stated to save his life. There were appeals to rushed to Delhi to seek the intervention t h a t a n y b o d y w h o d e m a n d e d the government of India, in particular to of Indian leaders. The PSP, which was identification was a Pakistani agent, the Prime Minister Nehru, to intervene the major opposition party in the thus dubbing almost the entire in the situation. country agreed to sent Nath Pai to population of Kashmir as Pakistanis. Kashmir as it had earned some goodwill Nanda heard series of my allegations But contrary to the impression of the as a vocal voice against GM Bakshi's rule. and spoke to the Home Secretary on author of the article, BN Mullik, the But he fell ill and Director of Intelligence Bureau and Lal could not go. I sought Bahadur Shastri did not work in an appointment with cooperation. Much damage had been by the Home Minister M u l l i c k a n d H o m e S e c r e t a r y Gulzari Lal Nanda but Vishwanathan that Shastri was sent by was asked to wait till Nehru to repair. Even after the relic was a d e l e g a t i o n o f restored on January 1964 as Kashmir government, surreptitiously as it had disappeared, on who was coming to 27 December 1963 the two officers of see him had met him. I the government of India refused to get insisted that I should it identified the reason for their refusal meet Nanda before to do so was that two of the three main official delegation. leaders of the Action Committee were Nanda himself came

Epilogue Ø 6 × September 2008 C O L U M N KEEN EYE phone. Then he repeated his to a person like Lal Bahadur Shastri, a explanation to me. I told Nanda if the minister without portfolio in his Home Secretary had the audacity to cabinet. Otherwise the situation in Now speak lies to him, what he would he Kashmir might take an explosive turn." doing in Kashmir. Nanda called him I gave the letter to Ashok Mehta, a again but meanwhile he had left his former socialist leader, who had Telling office. He called Mullik and asked him joined, on Nehru's appeal, the Planning to come to his room immediately I Commission as its deputy Chairman. He rebutted Mullik's explanation and lived in South Avenue just opposite to asked him that on February 6, it was a Teen Murti, the Prime Minister's The J&K Dedar day when the relic had to be residence. I requested him to take the shown to millions of people who would letter personally to the PM and get his gather there, if some score of people reply. He could enter PM's bed room Stories doubted authenticity of the relic, and was able to get a favourable reply. there would be explosion. Mullik said "we have made arrangements to face Shastri arrived in Srinagar on 30 Epilogue the explosion." To that I remarked "it is January much against the wishes of not wisdom to first create an explosion Nanda and officials of the Home b e c a u s e t h e r e i s m o r e t o k n o w then try to face it." I assured both of Ministry. Brushing aside the advice of them that I had full trust in the Vishwanthan and Mullik, Shastri invited integrity of Mussoodi, the senior most the Action Committee for Iftar and leader of the agitation, and that if the offered dates and other things which Contact relic was genuine he would certainly Muslims usually eat to break their fast. endorse it. The other two leaders, As a Kayasth of UP, he was well aware of ABDULLAH NEWS AGENCY would never defy the decision of customs of Islamic culture. He offered Mussoodi. In course of my discussion, to the Action Committee that he had no Lal Chowk, Srinagar Mullik said that there were certain objection to get the holic relic 9419074859 things that could not be disclosed in identified. Trust begets trust, they say. national interest. I almost lost my Shastri's goodwill gesture as against temper, and said," Nanda ji have you distrust of the officials, disarmed the RAINA NEWS AGENCY called me to get a lesson in national Action Committee and its members Residency Road, Jammu interest from a person who was serving offered to cooperate and send him the he British imperialism when we were list of identifiers. Which "upet fighting against it." Nanda tried to Vishwanthan and Mullik." pacify me. I enlisted the support of ABC STATIONERS AND Jayaprakash Narayan also who spoke to Maulana Massoodi told the Action DISTRIBUTORS Nanda in my presence. But I was not Leh satisfied. I had so far avoided to Committee members that as the holy contact Nehru as he had fallen relic ws a spiritual heritage, it needed ill—perhaps first illness in his public Basirat (spiritual eye) and not merely life—and it was announced, on his Basarat (physical eye) for the job of CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY behalf, that he would not see anybody identification. Every body agreed, and New Delhi till he recovered. the task was left to Meerak Shah, the holiest saint of Kashmir in Rishi order. On the appointed day Meerak Shah I wrote a "personal and urgent" letter declared "Haq" meaning right. All the OXFORD BOOK STORE addressed to him wherein after gathering started dancing with joy and New Delhi, Mumbai, apologizing for approaching him during shouts of "Mubarak, Mubarak." Thus a Calcutta, Bangalore, his illness, I requested to entrust the potentially explosive situation was Chennai & Goa job of dealing the situation in Kashmir turned into universal celebration.

Epilogue Ø 7 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

'First priority is restoration of land; discrimination issue can be dealt with in phased manner’

Interview : Brig Suchet Singh, SAYSS

How do you define the ongoing agitation the anti-Jammu discriminatory mindset. blockade. The media is also being fooled in Jammu? There are varying versions. Is When a piece of land was allotted to the and its surprising how the media got it strictly for restoration of land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, the taken-away by this rumour without Shri Amarnath Shrine Board or it includes separatists and mainstream parties checking the ground realities. They can the larger issues of discrimination agitated against the decision in Kashmir. also make research and bring the truth against Jammu? The government succumbed to the into light. Why no voice of economic- pressure just in five days blatantly blocked came from Ladakh, when the Such eruptions can not been at spur of the ignoring the Jammu sentiment. Jammu highway is same which passes through moment and at any petty issue. There was was taken for granted as they have done Kashmir Valley. It was a rumour an anger pent up for last 60 years which over past 60 years. concocted by the political parties. erupted when all limits of patience had exhausted. The ongoing agitation in Therefore, the first step towards It is understood that the SAYSS, at no Jammu represents the popular aspirations standing against the discrimination is to point of time, made any attempt to give and anger of the people of Jammu which have this land restored to the Shrine a communal colour to the agitation but has remained bottled up for the more than Board. We will step by step go further on still there were some unpleasant 60 years. People across all affiliations of other issues and let us hope for a positive incidents. There is an undeniable faith and politics are supporting the Shri outcome. Now the people in Jammu are communal tension in Poonch, Rajouri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti which well informed and perhaps prepared to and Kishtwar and then there is has been spearheading the agitation. We ask for and fight for their rights and this is migration of some 100 families of have an overwhelming support 70 the first step but its true the way ahead is Gujjars in Jammu. How do you look at political, non-political, social, trade and quite difficult but not impossible. these incidents? even literary organizations. The core issue before us, of course, is the restoration of What do you have to say to say on the We are happy that at all stages we have land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board but allegations of economic blockade of tried to keep the traditional communal at the same time we are seized of the Kashmir? During initial days of harmony in Jammu intact. There were discrimination factor which can not be agitation, various leaders of Shri many attempts by National Conference ignored. The main direction of the Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti and and Peoples Democratic Party and in agitation at present is on the core issue, also leaders of various supporting some cases even by the government to and the discrimination issue too will be organizations –including the BJP, Shiv defame the ongoing agitation; Sangarsh dealt with in phased manner at suitable Sena, Tankers Association and Bar Samiti condemns any step of any political platforms. Once the agitation achieves its Association –have been on record party or person that tries to sabotage the present purpose then it will keep on threatening snap of supplies to the secular social fabric in the society. adopting different modes to address the Valley. Don't you think this put India in a discrimination issue. difficult situation on Kashmir as Even the Muslims are supporting this cause separatists politicized the issue to of Jammu, they are a part of Samiti, if at The demands are for restoration of land invite international attention? some places some miscreants did this to the Board and recall of the Governor. coward act, we condemn it and want a There is perception and expectations This is all a bundle of lies. What to talk judicial probe to bring the guilty to book. that the agitation shall be called off once about it, I think people who are But one thing is clear there are some forces these demands are met. Then what propagating this, even do not know what who never miss any opportunity to raise happens to the larger issues of does it mean. From the office of conflicts and we have evidence that some discrimination against Jammu? Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir to people incited by the NC and PDP were PMO to Food Corporation of India and given free hand by the local administration Look, from where did this revocation of Petroleum, all have made it to threat some particular community in land allotment come? It is an outcome of clear that there was never any economic other districts of Jammu.

Epilogue Ø 8 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

Jammu And Kashmir Beginning Of The Endgame

Gautam Navlakha

Having scored a self-goal by its acts of omission and commission it will be difficult for Indian state to push the genie of freedom back into the bottle of indifference. Once an idea grips the imagination of people it becomes a material force. The idea of 'azaadi' from India has truly resurfaced with a passion. On the other hand by privileging fight against armed militancy and pretending that popular aspirations for freedom from India had waned Indian state became victim of its own disinformation and remained disinclined to take people seriously. Talks with Mirwaiz Omar Farooq led Hurriyet, never popular with the people, were stalled while crackdown on dissidents rose. There was no movement of any kind which suggested that Indian state was at all sincere about fulfilling any of the promises and assurances it had been making. Let alone release political prisoners arbitrary arrests of political dissidents and defenders of democratic rights, some of who were targets of attacks, have carried on.

ntil recently it was claimed Of course firing across LOC did take the Indian government was itself that militancy had petered place but Indian army's role in setting up downplaying militancy then why were out, but that the threat of a forward post in violation of ceasefire they fighting shy over troop reduction? Uinfiltration remained. As a at Nowgam sector has been ignored. The former Governor SK Sinha boasted matter of fact number of infiltration (Parvez Bukhari in the Mail Today that in 2002 there were 10 casualties per bids has sharply declined; officially in August 1, 2008 ) As a final proof it was day which came down to below 2 per day 2001 it was said to be 2417 and claimed that non-militancy related when he departed. Whereas number of declined to 311 in 2007. Up to May 2008 crimes have shot up! Arguably, militants operating varies from between it was said to be 120. Indian government statistics can be manipulated. But if 150 (yes hundred and fifty)-1200. also claimed a seventy percent decline in militancy related incidents between 1990 and 2007, from 3500 to 1000 incidents. Firing incidents came down from 671 to 183. Bomb explosions declined from 1000 to just 50. Killings of civilians declined from 914 to 153. (, 12 December, 2007). However, official propaganda claims that ISI was up to its old trick. Albeit it was said that situation has reached “normal level”. That people are participating in existing political process and shunning 'separatists'. Besides, ceasefire was being observed by India and Pakistan along the LOC since November 2003 resulting in ending mortar shelling and a fall in infiltration.

Epilogue Ø 9 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

Obviously, all this meant was that Indian not how long the movement can sustain attitude of the security forces and their military no longer faced a magnitude of itself. Or whether squabbling leaders vulnerable dependence on New Delhi threat which called for obtrusive will manage to de-rail the momentum. for their physical well being. When a presence 24X7 by seven lakhs armed This could be wishful thinking on part of State ceases to present itself as personnel. Yet they go on expanding and the Indian state. Political mood of the protector of the beleaguered and occupying land. So how do they justify people has already been displayed. That unable to ensure free flow of their presence? The arrogant claim is such mass mobilization was possible for m o v e m e n t o n h i g h w a y s a n d that Indian military is here to protect so many days itself shows that it can be transportation of supplies of essential the people from “cross border commodities, despite extraordinary terrorists”. But when this , as per their presence of Indian army on the own claim, no longer can be sustained leader of a Jammu based transport highway, then fear fuelled by this then it is clear that India's enemies association Ashok Nanda told the dependent relationship overtakes remains inside J&K and who by their Tribune (August 21, 2008) that other considerations. It is here that Indian State's abysmal role, especially very religious identity are perceived to Kashmir valley will soon face be real or potential supporters of of its law enforcing agencies, which acute shortage of foodgrains failed to stop the agitators in Jammu, Pakistan. Therefore, suspect in the eyes Kathua and Udhampur from fomenting of the Indian state and a demonized because four out of six FCI depots communal divide and blocking the projection of the movement becomes are running out of stocks. National Highway for nearly three necessary. The perception of anyone According to him normally 200 weeks, which enraged a people whose demanding 'azaadi' as being anti- trucks use to daily carry right to life was imperiled even as their national and pro-Pakistani may have suffering has been belittled by the been a part of disinformation campaign foodgrains to the valley now less Indian state and its 'good 'people. but it has deep roots and it suits Indian than 20 trucks are plying. If this is state to remain in the victim mode. So not a form of blockade then what Economic Blockade much so that Union home secretary is. Worrying part of this is the fact recently forgot that by accusing that this is happening when the Pakistan for fomenting trouble in the The report presented by the J&K police valley he was implicitly foregrounding Indian state cries shrill that there to the all party delegation on August 10 the incompetent role played by a has been no economic blockade! speaks of “(a)gitation started blocking bloated and pampered security the National Highway repeatedly with a apparatus in India. Surely if Pakistan view to obstruct supplies to valley repeated. Routine life will return. can bring lakhs of people out on the including LPG, oil, petrol, diesel etc”. However, periodic public rallies will And went on to say that “(m)any roads of Indian held Kashmir there is lot continue to take place. Thus it will be to be said for the ineptitude of the incidents of attacks on Highway on presumptuous to read routine life as a individual vehicles and supply load Indian state. If this is what policy return to normalcy. In other words this carriers…(and) beating of drivers makers want us Indians to believe then upsurge has unambiguously displayed created a sense of insecurity…”. they obviously feel Indian people are the organized and self-managed Deniability of the blockade by New gullible. One can not expect good sense popular desire to be free of India. This Delhi is astounding because it flies in or 'good faith'( the mantra to wash off all is not going to dissipate anytime soon. the face of people's own experience of sins) to prevail under these shortage as well of the police circumstances. The agitation which began in June over department of J&K. Why is it that fruit “diversion” of forest land for Amarnath merchants of Delhi's Azadpur mandi say It could be that authorities feel Yatra has proceeded beyond it. The that in the first fifteen days of August confident in restoring authority of the issue of 800 kanals which brought only 124 fruit trucks reached the market Indian state as time passes because people out in June has been overtaken as against 814 in the same period in livelihood concerns can come in the way by demand for 'azadi' caused by their August 2007? If it was not a result of of mass mobilization. But the point is sense of insecurity at the communal blockade then how come it took 19

Epilogue Ø 10 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008 days, from July 25 to August 14, for of army, attacks continue to take place? demand freedom from India? Why is it Avtar Singh (truck # PB 08 0997) Surely their presence is unnecessary that out of 10,513 incidents that took carrying medical supplies from and in fact contributing to choking place in Jammu region 10,098 incidents Jalandhar for SMHS hospital Srinagar,? ( civilian traffic on the two lane highway? took place in Hindu majority areas of Greater Kashmir, August 15, 2008) Or Again why were Jammu's BJP leaders Jammu (3758), Kathua (2270), how come five drivers were attacked in publicly declaring their intent to starve Udhampur (1850) and Riyasi (740)? Kathua when they were part of an army people in the valley in order to 'teach Does it make it a regional movement or convoy on 17 August going to Delhi. them a lesson'? Why was no action taken in fact a movement confined to (Rising Kashmir, August 20, 2008) There against them? Why is it that out of the predominately Hindu areas? Is it a are stories a galore in valley press. Let 1171 persons arrested, including those regional movement that is driving alone this leader of a Jammu based who probably lynched the two J&K Muslims to move out of Hindu majority transport association Ashok Nanda told police constables, Zakir Husian and areas? Is it not fear that drives them to the Tribune (August 21, 2008) that Zafar Javed, all were given bail? It is take this step? Is this unaided migration Kashmir valley will soon face acute also important to ask why second rung not a bigger blot on India's constitutional shortage of foodgrains because four out leaders of the agitation in Kashmir have democracy? Is it alright to abuse the of six FCI depots are running out of been charged with waging war, sedition 'separatists' for migration of kashmiri stocks. According to him normally 200 and criminal conspiracy when no such pandits from the valley even when the trucks use to daily carry foodgrains to acts were invoked against the Jammu Indian state provided them 'safe the valley now less than 20 trucks are agitators? Why is it that out of 129 cases passage'? But to be mute when Muslims plying. If this is not a form of blockade registered by the police in Jammu start fleeing their home and hearths in then what is. Worrying part of this is the region none were under any draconian Jammu driven by Hindu fanatic mobs fact that this is happening when the law or provision? and hostile security forces? Indian state cries shrill that there has been no economic blockade! Does it mean that agitators who carry So obvious is the patronage and tricolour, but engage in mayhem are to protection extended to the rabble Besides, if the situation is normal, and be treated with compassion, whereas rousers in Jammu that it is astonishing there has never been any blockade, why those who remain unarmed and that otherwise sensitive people did not is the army out on the highway since peaceful but carry green flags are once speak out for years against August 4? And why despite the presence persecuted because they dare to permission granted to Bajrang Dal and

Epilogue Ø 11 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

VHP to hold weapon training camps in private lives, and indeed even camps in J&K (excluding those in Jammu, which is a Disturbed Area. They “transform their will and attitude” as is Jammu, Kargil, Leh, Akhnoor and publicly display weapons during their the case in J&K. Publicly Indian state Udhampur) and these occupy 90,000 rallies including in Jammu city but pretended it was heeding the public acres of farm and orchard land and 1500 violation of Arms Act is condoned. Let feeling which wanted demilitarization buildings. But the appetite for acquiring alone authorities even the 'good' people when it setup a committee headed by land continues to grow. For instance in choose to look the other way. They can India's defense secretary to look into saffron rich Lethapora in Pampore go and disrupt press conferences at will the demand. The incongruity of a huge tehsil, where no construction is anywhere in Jammu but no harm ever presence of armed forces occupying permitted under state laws, the CRPF comes to them. Ninety per cent of the large tracts of land even as the number has demanded 5000 kanals for its group 25,000 members of the Village Defence headquarters. Indian army is Committees in Doda district, (with 60- demanding 10,000 kanals for expansion 40% Muslim-Hindu ratio) are armed As of now 2204 kanals , of which of Army's Kundroo Filed Ammunition Hindus. How many of them are members 1500 kanals is forest land (and Depot (FAD). Besides, Indian Air Force of right wing extremist groups is which possesses 850 acres in anybody's guess. But that there are a from which 800 kanals were to be Awantipora has asked for 763 acres of large number with such leaning bodes ill “diverted” to SASB for temporary additional land. Army which was given for the people. use) are being used for yatris in 212 acres in Sharifabad in exhange for Baltal route. This land includes vacating 139 acres of Tattoo Grounds Finally, the sharp contrast between how 56 kanals of private land Garrison in Srinagar has taken possession of 100 acres at Sharifabad Jammu agitators were met by security including a graveyard. In other forces and how trigger happy they were but refuses to budge from Tattoo in Kashmir drives home the hostile words not only must SASB Act be ground! In the Cattle Research Centre at nature of Indian government forces amended to make its membership Manasbal spread over 352 acre army in towards predominately Muslim people. local but its powers must be 1990 first asked to set up few bunkers. Then built barracks and laid claim to In one go all that was being claimed delimited and the yatra be about normalcy having been restored 252 acres of the land in 2005. evaporated before the heat of people's regulated with restricting the Furthermore, the annual Landmine anger. That foundation of normalcy number of yatris to one lakh. Report 2007 states that about 160 sq were tenuous was never understood by kms in Jammu and 1730 sq kms land the charmed circle of policy and remain mined. Speaker of J&K of militants, said to be operating has decision makers. Assembly recently pointed out that officially come down to 1200, was bad 3500 acres of agricultural land in his e n o u g h . B u t b y r e j e c t i n g constituency Chamb (Jammu) have So let us list two blunders committed by demilitarization, pull back of troops, been mined and 6000 families the Indian state in recent times in J&K. reduction of troops etc in February last displaced. J&K Tourism minister told along with the new rents for acquired media on October 19, 2007 about army The Issue of Land land announced by India's Ministry of violated Master Plan for Gulmarg and Defense ranging from 2.1 to 5 times is a without requisite permission “(t)hey It requires no rocket science to realise way to buy silence of the people, for have occupied 400 acres of land on that involuntary alienation of land in some more time. Which is all very well which they have raised huge concrete general, and cultivable one in except that this sends a message that structures”. ( October particular, will enrage people. This Indian armed forces are in no mood to 20, 2007) turns into fury when land is acquired for vacate occupation of land and they are armed security personnel who maintain here for a long haul. Thus new rent structure may even be a an intrusive presence among civilians precursor of occupation of more land. designed to control their public and There are reportedly 671 security forces For instance, until recently the Ministry

Epilogue Ø 12 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008 of Home Affairs set a standard of 75 the norm and the earning varies local Muslim participation in the yatra, acres of land per battalion for central between Rs 90,000 to Rs 125,000. (One including sharing one third of offering para military forces. Now the MHA has quintal fetches Rs 1800). Thus the offer with the Malik familes, it chose to asked these forces to acquire 150 acres of Rs 10,000 per kanal for orchard is very endorse extremist agenda of of land per bn. This is being done under low. Depending upon the fruit or crop it creating Hindu stakeholders in J&K. the argument that this will enable could be less than 2 and at best no more better housing facility for the jawans 10% of the actual income. Thus the rent In order to understand the magnitude of and also allow these forces to set up does not compensate the farmers for the blunder committed by Indian State schools and hospitals for the family of the loss of income. Put it another way let us begin by taking a look at salient the jawans as well as local population. farmers or orchard owners are subsiding features of the Amaranath issue which With average size of family being 5.5 the deployment of armed forces. first stoked fire of resentment. Shri even if 100,000 soldiers bring their Amaranath Shrine Board (SASB) set up families then population of such people This by no means is all. This land also by the National Conference in 2000, will go up by several lakhs. Could this be provides employment. It is well known comprised non state subjects, presided an indirect way of demographic that largest source of employment in over by Hindu governor, saw itself as transformation? (2) J&K is agriculture and horticulture. being a sovereign body accountable to Remove this land from cultivation that no one and went ahead to takeover an Having said this let us consider certain much less earning and lesser number of entire area to prepare for larger and hidden facts which lurks behind the jobs become available. Seen in this light larger turnout of pilgrims. Under clause rent hike. The previous levels from the pitiable rent being offered is a 16(d) of the SASB Act authorized them which rent has been increased were fraction of the earning and its spin off to carry out 'development activity pathetically low. So two or five times also includes decline in employment. concerning the area of shrine and its increase must be tempered by this fact. Besides, even if 10% of the total cropped surroundings'. Using this, as well as For instance Class I category of irrigated Jammu High Court's pronouncement area of 1,126.000 acres or 9 mn kanal in land the rent was previously Rs 1125 per that everything being done by the board J&K is removed from production it kanal per year, which now has been will be deemed to be done in 'good means, for an economy so dependent on increased to Rs 3381 per kanal. For faith', SASB began to make demands agriculture and horticulture as that of double cropped irrigated land the rent which were resented. Worse they J&K, a huge loss. All these losses are not was Rs 1688 per kanal and has been pretended to be a body which was calculated. (3) increased to Rs 4087. For orchards the virtually unaccountable to any rent earlier was Rs 1575 and has been institution. Recall the infamous increased to Rs 10,000 per kanal. This context of how angry people are statement of CEO of SASB on January 1, over occupation of their land and Indian 2008 wherein he claimed that the State's attempts to buy silence through For another the rent increase does not legislature has no authority to question rent hikes provides the background in take into account the loss suffered by SASB or for them to answer their which SASB landed itself. those whose land is thus alienated. To queries. And yet the SASB, it is said, was get an idea one has to consider some set up on the basis of the other figures. One kanal of apple Revisit Nitish Sengupta Committee recommendation of the Dr Nitish orchard is officially said to have 12 trees Sengupta Committee (1996)? A reading although upto 18 is not uncommon. This Indian state's biggest blunder on of the report makes it abundantly clear translates into 300 to 360 boxes of fruit. Amarnath was to promote a Hindu that the committee's recommendations The income varies from Rs 1.2 to 1.5 Shaivite pilgrimage as a patriotic were scrupulously ignored. lakhs. As for walnut one kanal is said to enterprise forgetting the constitutional have 6 to 8 trees. Income from this truth that all Hindus are not Indians and For instance, SASB was not tasked with could be anywhere between Rs 4.25 to 6 all Indians are not Hindus. And, micro managing the yatra or to turn it lakhs. If the land is used for paddy therefore, religious affiliation is into an all Hindu affair from which cultivation between 50-70 quintals is irrelevant. Also instead of building on Muslims were to be kept away. Among

Epilogue Ø 13 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008 the various acts of governor SK Sinha Gomukh in Uttarakhand. At both Kailash livelihood. Any damage to the ecology was to summarily discontinue the Mansarovar and Gomukh the period of could prove fatal for them, which is traditional role of the Malik family as pilgrimage is restricted and the what pollution of Lidder river by SASB's protector of the shrine and their right to numbers regulated. System of ceiling unregulated promotion of yatra and get one third of the offering. And on number is practiced at Vashnodevi destruction of the ecology of Nunwan instead of regulating and restricting the also where a cap of 20,000 per day is in valley threatens to bring about. number of pilgrims SASB went in to place. In fact Nitish Sengupta on page overdrive to make it for a longer 52 of the report says that “(a)long with T h e r e p o r t p r o p o s e d t h a t duration and for larger and larger the regulation of the total number of administration of the yatra should be numbers. Non state subjects were being pilgrims to about 1 lakh during the 30 handed over to the department of engaged for all kinds of services day period, we should also regulate the tourism, as is the case in every other traditionally performed by the local maximum number of people who can be state of India where religious tourism population both Kashmiri Muslims and permitted at any point of this journey at comes under the purview of the tourism Pandits. any given time”. And adds “we could lay department of the respective states. down a ceiling of 3000 pilgrims that can They wanted that local tentwallahs So what were Nitish Sengupta be permitted to travel on any of these s h o u l d b e a l l o w e d t o o f f e r committees main recommendations? sectors in a single day”. (Three sectors accommodation and dhaba owners are Chandawanri to Sheshnag; Sheshnag provide food for yatris. (p 62). to Panjtarani and Panjtarani to the Setup after the 1996 Amarnath Yatra Moreover, in so far as the high powered Cave). Tragedy in which 205 yatris and 25 board was concerned the committee porters and security personnel lost their recommended that the CM should be lives the report emphasized that “the It also called for restricting havans the chairperson. The board was to pilgrimage to Amarnath is not just performance at the Holy Cave since supervise the yatra and prepare pilgrimage but high altitude they “pollute the purity of the strategic plan for providing facilities. mountaineering” (p 54). It wanted a atmosphere and also constitute fire hazard”. (p58) The report opposed minimum age of 15 and maximum of 65 As of now 2204 kanals , of which 1500 proposal for making road from for yatris. (p 55) The report repeatedly kanals is forest land (and from which Chandawari to Sheshnag and then up to makes the point that at this altitude, 800 kanals were to be “diverted” to Panjtarani motorable. Because the hazardous nature of the track and SASB for temporary use) are being used “(a)llowing the motor vehicles to go uncertain weather number of pilgrims for yatris in Baltal route. This land into this area will not only damage the and period of yatra has to be strictly includes 56 kanals of private land regulated. “It has to be emphasized environment of these areas, but will including a graveyard. In other words here that carrying capacity of this also spoil the pristine scenic charm of not only must SASB Act be amended to pathway of about 32 kms (between these mountains and valleys.” (p 60) But make its membership local but its Chandanwari and the holy cave) is SASB has gone beyond and introduced powers must be delimited and the yatra extremely limited. It passes all along at helicopter services for pilgrims which is be regulated with restricting the very high altitude, well above the tree a source of major concern. It was number of yatris to one lakh. Or else line and through areas with no human evident that the meltdown of the devout Hindus can bid goodbye to the habitation”. (p 5) For eight months of 'lingam' within fifteen days of yatra this health of the area for posterity. the year there is snow and formation of year was contributed by presence of ice lingam, nautral stalagmite, begins huge numbers of yatris and the only by June. helicopter services. The critical Communal Prejudice or Jingoism of importance of protecting the ecology of Officials this area can not be underplayed when In this sense Amarnath yatra cannot be it is realized that while tourists come compared with any other pilgrimages Next blunder was in persisting with a and go local inhabitants depend on the and the closest parallel can be drawn Governor who flouted all constitutional water and land for their life and with Kailsah Mansarovar in Tibet and norms and pushed Hindutva agenda.

Epilogue Ø 14 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

One person is like tree in a forest but a disappearance of 8-10,000, uncovering economic blockade is located. constitutional position of governor and of mass graves in just one Uri sector, his continuance is reflection of Indian cross firing, encounters, custodial Long and short of it is that Indian state state's policy. Were one to go through deaths….. Even where relief and has become its own worst enemy. There what former Governor SK Sinha said in rehabilitation is concerned the is no point blaming Pakistan, his Field Marshal Cariappa memorial promptness with which New Delhi fundamentalists, human rights activists lecture on August 16, his Hindutva announced compensation for one and usual alibis used by the Indian state. proclivities are self-evident. It was his Kuldeep Kumar who committed suicide It is time we acknowledge that 'national great contribution that Centre for in Jammu is unmatched by anything security' paranoia cannot hide the Kashmir Studies, set up in Kashmir they announced through 19 years of reality that Muslims of J&K have no th University, uses 13 century as the cut war to the families of Indian confidence in the Indian state. The off date thereby history of Kashmir's government's forces atrocities. Did one march to Muzzafarabad was not a Hindu past is studied but not its Islamic hear of any compensation for the 34 rhetoric or a drama enacted but p r e s e n t ' s p a s t . T h i s w a s h i s killed and 500 injured or property something that emerged from this understanding of 'kashmiriyat'. And it damaged by the India security forces in palpable sign of fear and was perceived was his principal secretary, who just 48 hours? as one way in which J&K's dependence officiated as CEO of the board, who on India could be reduced. In any case went out of his way to insist that land In fact it is strange that despite entire Jammu-Srinagar highway is an artificial was “permanently” transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir region being link and by itself unsuited for 21st board and insisted that “as the “disturbed” whereas in Jammu security century said to be an era of population of India will increase we will forces waited for executive magistrate 'globalisation'. have to consider further extension of to issue orders to open fire, in the valley the yatra period”. (Greater Kashmir no such procedure was followed. It is In this sense we are back to square one. June 18, 2008). instructive that Indian army called in And just as well. Because this time 4500 soldiers from 9 corps in Himachal there are no militants but people out on Pradesh because they did not want The fact that Indian state allowed him the streets. Indian state and India's 334,000 soldiers deployed in counter to do whatever he wished was perhaps insurgency duties in the valley to be 'good' people can ignore this now at no accident. Once a movement is disturbed? This sleigh of hand meant their own peril. Perhaps a bout of self- demonized, passing it off as a form of that these 4500 troops belonging to 9th criticism, good for intellectual clarity, 'proxy war' being waged by Pakistan, Corps operated under magistrate's might be in order to ensure that at least and underplaying the role of the Indian order and not under AFSPA as in a now six decades of obfuscation and state including crimes committed by 'disturbed' area. On the other hand, the prevarication can be bid goodbye and Indian security forces then next stop is sorry spectacle of highly communalized the reality of popular aspiration for manipulating people's minds. Such has CRPF forces entering hospitals, firing opting out of India be given its due. been the nature of Indian state's tear gas shells inside them, (a war crime Instead of fearing right of self- attempt to manage people's will, 'turn under Geneva Convention), opening fire determination it is time we embrace it it around' as the army's doctrine on which targeted head and chest, non-use because this offers us the only chance of small war proposes. That killings of of rubber bullets, venting their anger a peaceful and democratic solution. It 209 Hindus and Sikhs and migration of by destroying properties on several offers this to every state subject across about two lakhs Kashmiri Pandits is localities in Srinagar……and yet their the LOC divided Jammu and Kashmir as played up but by far the larger picture crime of excessive use of force and well as communally polarized Jammu of killings by Indian security forces violation of their constitutional pledge and Kashmir an opportunity to make remains shrouded in obscurity in the did not bring Indian people out on the their wishes known. It is only when we name of “national interest”. Not much streets in solidarity with those who have know what people want that suffered most and continue to suffer. is ever said about the 70,000 Muslim substantive negotiations can ensue. killings, arrest and torture of at least Until then the hoary resilience, 60,000 persons, 33 recorded massacres, It is in the midst of this reality that euphemism for prolonged military

Epilogue Ø 15 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

suppression, displayed by Indian state, will carry on further aggravating the dispute. And people will continue to vote with their feet and fists against a Interview with forced union with India which threatens their fundamental right to life. Shabir Ahmed While one wishes wiser counsel to prevail the truth is that 61 years of regression makes it abundantly clear that it is left to the people of India, and Shah not the state, to force a change in Indian state's policy towards the people of J&K.

Amidst all the claims of the Indian government that allegation of economic Things were not like till three blockade being “bunkum” and Pakistan inspired propaganda, Ministry of months back. Why this sudden Home Affairs has finally conceded that at least between July 31 to August 4 upsurge in the Valley? there were “disruptions” of supplies. One should be thankful for small mercies from the centre of obfuscation and extreme right wing People in the Valley are known pronouncements which is what MHA has become. ( Mail Today August 19, for the patience. But patience 2008.) In fact going by the threat held out by All J&K Oil Tankers Association too has got a limit. If your Jammu truckers will not load supplies for the valley if land issue is not understanding says that there is resolved by August 20, 2008. (The Tribune 19, August 2008) And the fruit a sudden eruption then I must merchants of Delhi's Azadpur Mandi have said that between 1-15 August in correct you. There was no 2007 when 814 fruit trucks reached Delhi, this year in the same period only sudden eruption. 124 trucks landed at Delhi. (The 20 August, 2008). Dissent and protests h a v e v a r i o u s manifestations and It is worth noting that total land holding of the armed forces in India is silence is one among approximately 1 mn acres. Recently the Indian Planning Commission of India them. When you talk had wanted army to part with 2 lakh acres of “surplus” land lying with with about the situation 62 cantonments. This request was turned down and instead the army asked three months back, I for an additional 2 lakh acres! The point is that neither are armed forces would say, there willing to part with land they occupy nor is their appetite for more land going were protests in to decline. silence which has now broken.

Just to provide an idea of the acute unemployment the J&K government By mobilizing such huge which dealt harshly with 5000 state roadways employees for demanding back crowd in Srinagar what do wages (they were not paid for five months) claiming they did not have money you want to convey? to pay them has lifted ban on filling vacancies on state employment, which they had imposed on March 5, 2008. Thereby 30,000 vacancies of which 4978 We have not been mobilizing for gazetted posts, 20,000 non-gazetted posts and 7000 Class IV posts will get any crowds. People have been filled. The point to note is that state government which time and again coming out at their own. There delays payment of wages to some of its employees is now going to fill 30,000 were over two lakh people who posts. Where is the money going to come from? Thus on the one hand armed led a march to Muzaffarabad forces occupy cultivable land, which helps reduce food and fruit production when we were showered with and reduce employment. And on the other hand additional employment is bullets. Then on August 22, being generated in the state sector even when they do not have the money to more than 10 lakh people pay their salaries! The begging bowl syndrome will get strengthened. And assembled at the Idgah Indian state can then go around propagating that they cover nearly 80% grounds. There was just one J&K's expenditure. This feeds into the myth that J&K is incapable of announcement appealing to meeting its own expenditure and to undercut the argument about the come out in solidarity with the economic viability of J&K were they left alone. Thus create dependence issue. Elders, youth, women and then flaunt it to rub the nose of people in the mud.

Epilogue Ø 16 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

and children all came out in tens of are ready for talks. orders diverting of land to Shri thousands. Tens of thousands of more Amarnath Shrine Board following people were on their way but the space What should be the contours of a protests in the Valley have led to in Srinagar City was not enough to dialogue? tension in Jammu. What do you have accommodate them. There were no to say on this? speeches. There was no politics. Lakhs We have never set any conditions. The of them raised their hands for their basic thing is that there should be a This is the worst propaganda we have basic political rights. This was a sort of tripartite dialogue with the people of ever seen. Some people in Jammu are referendum which the Government of Kashmir as a principle party. easily and conveniently forgetting that India and International community not they but we have been hosts of the should take note of. Shri Amarnath pilgrims. This is most Yo u l a u n c h e d a m a r c h t o secular tradition of our Valley. Can you Muzaffarabad alleging that there was Referendum for what and what trace one single incident of history economic blockade of Kashmir. Was political rights you are referring to? when the Amarnath pilgrims were put to there so serious a problem? The any inconvenience, harassment or Governor's administration has all humiliation by any Kashmiri? I would Precisely, Azadi. People of Kashmir have along been denying any snap of take this opportunity to convey it all our made it known that they want Azadi. We supplies except that whatever Hindu brothers and sisters across India have long been asking for consultations, irregularities may occur when the that Amarnath pilgrimage is as much a referendum or any exercise to know situation is disturbed. what Kashmiris want but this right was sacred for us as it is for them. It is a part denied to us. Now people are coming of our tradition that we, every year, You are a journalist; check the press out to let it known to one and all, organize a special welcome function on record of last two months. Every new clearly and without any ambiguity that the arrival of pilgrims to accord a day you will find statements which they want Azadi. respect to their sentiments. civilized people would not issue even for the rogue states. And then our Then why this controversy on the land You mean that doors for a dialogue or supply lines were completely chocked, issue? now shut? the drivers were beaten up, trucks were set ablaze, and our local produce was Absolutely not. Our doors are wide open made to rot. What wrong did we do by We have not created any controversy as they always have been. If anyone marching to Muzaffarabad. All we nor is this any issue for us. Our issue is shut the doors it was the Government of wanted to do was to sell our produce very clear and this has been clearly India. At least now is the high time and procure the essentials. We are conveyed by the people of Kashmir Government of India realized urgency more than two lakh people, unarmed last Friday. If at all there is a of a dialogue. We are always ready to and leading a peaceful march. They controversy it has been created by get engaged in a meaningful dialogue. (government) applied brute force and some people in Jammu and their Kashmir's case is entirely different but sprayed bullets on us. What is the patrons elsewhere in the country. there are also other places in India justification for this? Amarnath pilgrimage is a symbol of where people are fighting for the Kashmir's secular tradition and we will political rights. At all these places and Now have a look at the situation in continue to make all efforts to keep it with all such people, Government of Jammu. There is an agitation and the up. You should note that the number of India has been talking why any positive region, particularly the Winter Capital pilgrims visiting the Amarnath Shrine movement on Kashmir is not there. City, is burning in fire of anger. was highest this year. Had there been a They try to isolate us, they project a Kashmir Muslims in general and problem from our side or had there wrong picture of public sentiments and Kashmiri separatists in particular are been an inconvenience to the pilgrims then they ask us that why are we on accused of hurting the Hindu they would not have come in big roads? This is not fair. Let them come we sentiments. The cancellation of numbers.

Epilogue Ø 17 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

Post-Agitation Uphill Task For Jammu’s Politics, Economy

Epilogue News & Analysis

The 60-day long Jammu agitation has been finally called off after the Governor NN Vohra's administration hammered a peace pact with the agitating Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti (SAYSS)–a 70 party conglomerate spearheading the agitation. The final agreement sets aside the controversial 100 acres tract of land at Baltal and allows the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board to use it for creating facilities for the pilgrims. The land will be put to such use for three months a year and its ownership title shall not undergo any change. When protests had erupted in Kashmir Valley against diversion of same land to the Board, the main objection was change of ownership status –ie from the Forest department to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board. Therefore for reaching at the final agreement to end agitation in Jammu, it is obviously seen that both the SAYSS and the Government made some climb down from their stated positions. What leaves one confused is that fact that such use of land (as agreed upon in the pact) has never been objected by any party in Kashmir. Finally pragmatism seems to have dawned upon both parties concerned even though Jammu has not remained the same place again after two months of violent protests. The losses are enormous but at a first look one finds the mainstream competitive politics having disappeared from the local landscape.

Loosing Political Plot compulsion or will, had become more or the agitation gathered momentum, less constituent parts of the Sangharsh they had to endorse every thing what It will be a tough time for the Samiti –condemning their own parties the Sangharsh Samiti had to say. No competitive politics to resume its and criticizing their own charters. other party or leader would have normal course. Unlike Kashmir, Jammu The BJP an essential constituent of the addressed as many press conferences as region has a truly competitive Sangharsh Samiti was initially seen as Congress leaders did address all these mainstream politics with Congress, the eventual beneficiary of the months. Interestingly, the agenda of National Conference, BJP and the newly agitation as it was the Congress their press conferences and statements emerging Panthers Party as main government accused of withdrawing the issued to media always remained players. Bahujan Samaj Party is also land transfer order. Former Chief endorsing the day to day stand of seen making significant inroads in Dalit Minister and Congress' 'hope' in Jammu Sangharsh Samiti. When Samiti called pockets of the region. Just ahead of the and Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Azad was for the removal of Governor NN Vohra, eruption of Amarnath shrine land seen in Jammu only twice in two months the local Congress jumped into the fray controversy, the political mainland of –on July 17, when he addressed a public as main votary of the demand. Veterans Jammu was ripe for the electoral meeting at a border township and then like Dr Karan Singh, the scion of Dogra politics. Elections were just three on August 10 as part of the all-party dynasty, who otherwise visits Jammu months away but the campaign designs delegation constituted by the Prime hardly once a year, wrote to the Prime had already been put in place by the Minister to find out a solution for the Minister seeking removal of the parties. Two months of agitation has crises. Azad's being away from the scene Governor. washed away whatever the parties had all these of crises not only brought down tried to build up not only in recent few but also smashed up the morale of local Former MLAs, sitting MLCs and other months but over past five years. Now at Congress leaders. During initial days of office bearers of the Congress would this stage the lines of ideology stand agitation, the local Congress leaders often walk into the office of Sangharsh blurred between the arch rivals. For tried to defend their government's Samiti to reiterate their support even as two months all of them, out of decision but as the days passed off and the party at national level frequently

Epilogue Ø 18 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008 equated the Jammu agitation “as between Kashmir and Jammu. Leaving sectors of economy the losses to dangerous” as separatist movement in the Kashmir field to Omar, who joined respective sectors have been as follows: Kashmir. Prominent local leader and chorus with separatist, Farooq went on Industry, Rs 4000 Crores; Tourism, Rs MLA till recently, Raman Bhalla courted justify demand of Sangharsh Samiti and 3000 Crores; Trade Rs 1100 Crores, arrest on August 21 as a part of called for restoration of land to the Transport Rs 775 Crores and Production, Sangharsh Samiti plan. However, the Shrine Board. When the agreement is Rs 250 Crores. Insurance sector is yet to veteran Mangat Ram Sharma still could inked between Samiti and Government, initiate a survey of loss to the vehicles not escape the wrath. He had to take a Farooq turned up as the only Kashmiri that too is reported to be running into pillion ride with a cop to reach home leaders to give a “thumbs up”. Crores of rupees. The Shri Amarnath safely when a strong mob attacked his Yatra Sangharsh Samiti, during its vehicle in the city. Now when the agitation has been called negotiations with the government had off, the next battle is for the put a demand for compensation to all suffering sectors of economy. Though In Jammu region, National Conference forthcoming elections and the task has much of its presence in the rural before political parties is to redraw the demand has been agreed to in areas than the urban space. Thus NC their constituency agenda. principle but the businessmen doubt leaders played little smart. They left any possibility of full compensation. The agreement between Government their plush winter capital residence to Economy Suffers Rs 26,000 Crore loss f a n o u t i n t h e i r r e s p e c t i v e and the Samiti concluded that a constituencies. Omar Abdullah's speech Working Group shall be constituted Besides competitive politics, the other in the Parliament on, July 22, had given under the Chief Secretary to examine a new direction to the Jammu agitation major sector which suffered a huge loss losses to all sectors both in Kashmir when a youth committed suicide during Jammu agitation is obviously the and Jammu regions. The Working allegedly enraged over Omar's local economy. The trade and industry Group will have representatives from statement. However, father Farooq lobby groups have put losses at Rs 26775 different sectors of economy as its made quite a good effort to save the Crores. Though the parameters of members. “A loss assessment report situation. After maintaining a much calculation have not been given but shall be submitted to the Central required silence for a couple of weeks, according to local Commerce and Government for financial help”, said Farooq played quite a balancing act Industries and representatives different the agreement.

Epilogue Ø 19 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

Agreement

Following is the text of the joint statement issued at the press conference:

1. 'The Shri Amarnathji Yatra, which has been going on for many centuries, is a shining symbol of communal harmony and brotherhood in Jammu & Kashmir and reflective of the State's composite heritage. The Yatris have been welcomed with open arms by the people of both Jammu and Kashmir Divisions and all required facilities have been made available for them. Sadly, certain decisions of the State Government relating to the Yatra created misunderstandings which led to controversy and agitation and loss of many precious lives. Apart from the damage to property, there has been a colossal loss to the State's economy in different sectors like transport, trade, industry, horticulture and tourism. 2. 'The Yatra to Shri Amarnathji Shrine has traditionally benefitted a large number of local residents, many of whom have crucial dependence on this annual pilgrimage for their livelihood. 3. 'There has been no occasion in the past on which the State Government has failed to provide the required support for the conduct of the Amarnathji Yatra. On the contrary, the extent and nature of governmental support to the Yatra has been progressively enhancing, from year to year. 4. 'In view of the need to seek a peaceful resolution of the fundamental issues, to settle all existing doubts and clarify the continuing responsibility of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir had constituted, on 6 August, 2008, a four-member Committee comprising: Dr. S. S. Bloeria, Advisor to Governor, Justice (Retd) Shri G. D. Sharma , Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu and Shri B. B. Vyas, Principal Secretary to Governor and Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board 5. 'The Committee held three rounds of discussions with the four-member Committee nominated by the Shri Amarnathji Yatra Sangharsh Samiti (SAYSS) which comprised:- Shri Tilak Raj Sharma, Brig (Retd) Suchet Singh, Prof. Narinder Singh and Shri Pawan Kohli 6. 'The Governor has also held discussions with the leaders of political, social, religious, academic and other organizations in the Kashmir Valley. The predominant view, emerging out of the consultations, is that the Amarnathji Yatra, which is a centuries old tradition of J&K's rich composite heritage, will continue to be welcomed and supported by the people of Kashmir, in every possible way. It was also felt that while the Shrine Board could continue to use the land, as in the past, for Yatra purposes, nothing should be done to alienate or transfer the land. While an assuring convergence of views has emerged, the Governor is committed to continuing the consultative process to ensure against any remaining misunderstanding whatsoever on an issue which has earlier led to serious misperceptions and grade human and economic loss. 7. 'Based on detailed discussions and deliberations held in the recent weeks, the following framework of action for resolving the issue relating to the use of land for the period of Yatra by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, at Baltal and Domail, has been agreed to:- A. 'The State Government shall set aside for the use by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, exclusively, the land in Baltal and Domail (Compartment No. 63/S, Sindh Forest Division) comprising an area of 800 kanals, traditionally under use for the annual Yatra purposes. B. 'The proprietary status/ownership/title of the land shall not undergo any change. C. 'The Board shall use the aforesaid land for the duration of the Yatra (including the period of making the required

Epilogue Ø 20 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

arrangements and winding up of the same) for the purpose of user by various service providers according to its needs and priorities. 'The aforesaid land shall be used according to the Board's requirements, from time to time, including for the following:- i. 'Raising of temporary pre-fabricated accommodation and toilet facilities by the Board; ii. 'Establishment of tented accommodation by private camping agencies (locals, permanent residents of the State); iii. 'Setting up of the shops by shopkeepers (locals, permanent residents of the State); iv. 'Facilities for Ponywallahs and Pithuwallahs; v. 'Provision of healthcare and medical facilities; vi. 'Setting up of free Langars by private persons and groups which are licensed by the Board; vii. 'Facilities for helicopter operations/ parking of vehicles; viii. 'Arrangements of security by local police/para-military forces and other security agencies as per the arrangements in place here-to-fore; and ix. 'Undertaking measures relating to soil conservation, land protection and preservation of ecology.

8. 'It has further been agreed that the Board shall continue to remain responsible for the overall arrangements of the Yatra on both the routes during the Yatra period, including all arrangements as mandated under the provisions of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Act, 2000 A.D. 9. 'Apart from the above, the Committee set up by the Samiti had, during the course of discussions, presented a fourteen- point “Charter of Demands” for consideration by the State Government. The main demands relate to withdrawal of criminal cases against various persons during the period of agitation, provision of compensation to the families of the deceased and to the injured and working out of appropriate packages of financial assistance to compensate losses of the transport sector, trade and industry, horticulture sector, hoteliers and tourist operators. The State Government has agreed to examine all these demands in an appropriate manner on time-bound basis. 10. 'In particular, as regards the registration of criminal cases against various persons during the period of agitation, it is agreed that all cases of non-serious nature which shall mean bailable and compoundable will be withdrawn. The remaining cases will be reviewed, on the merits of each case, by a Committee headed by Shri Anil Goswami, Principal Secretary (Home) within 60 days. Till the completion of this process, no action will be taken in such cases. Also, specific allegations of atrocities on agitators, based on prima-facie evidence, could also be looked into by this Committee. 11. 'Ex-gratia relief will be extended in favour of the next of the kin of the deceased and in favour of permanently disabled and the injured in all cases covered under the existing rules of the State Government. 12. 'Further, a Working Group, under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary will address all compensation issues relating to both Jammu and Kashmir Divisions and the Central Government will be approached for extending enabling financial support to the State Government for this purpose within a period of two months. To make the exercise meaningful, one representative from each of the affected sectors will be associated with the deliberations of the Working Group. 13. 'The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board will be reconstituted keeping in view the provisions of the Act and the past precedents. 14. 'It is agreed that the Law Department in the State Government will examine the issue of disposal of LPA in terms of the understanding made hereinabove within one month.'

Sd/- Sd/-

(Lila Karan Sharma) (Dr. S. S. Bloeria) Convener Advisor to Governor of J&K Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti

Epilogue Ø 21 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

Amarnath Confrontation : Is It Sureal ?

Anmol Sharma

The confrontation over transfer of land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board and the its revocation is just the trigger. The issue is small but the problem is far larger. The office of Indian Prime Minister, as it appears now, has always grossly overlooked the historical background and composition of aspirations in Jammu and Kashmir.

he public outrage t h e s e l o c a l c h a n n e l s over the revocation loaded with array of of the land transfer statistical data disparaging Torder by the minority everything from disparity government of Mr. Azad has in number of assembly progressively merged with the seats to Badshah University latent issue of long felt racial standing on a forest area. bias felt by this part of the Ve r y a g g r e s s i v e t e x t state of Jammu and Kashmir. messages underscoring Some of the renowned precise statistics like political analysts from Jammu number of unemployment like Dr. Jitender Singh and being more in Jammu, P r o f . H a r i O m h a v e Jammuites giving more rationalized this with the t a x e s c o m p a r e d t o a n a l o g y t h a t t h e Kashmiris and advising to overwhelming public outcry boycott Kashmiri goods o v e r t h e A m a r n a t h were also disseminated predicament is only a before text services was symptom of the disease of discrimination/partiality altogether condemned at suffered by the people in the behest of the Governor Jammu from hukumrans in Sahib. Kashmir. The local Cable c h a n n e l s w e r e a l s o Watching this kind of acknowledged by these theatrics in these channels commentators, for precipitating reminisces one of the the unprecedented mass churlish PTV where till today wave, which saw conservative every evil in Pakistan is and politically novice women easily blamed on the folk from Jammu coming shoulders of India. These spellbound onto the streets t a l k s h e a d e d b y t h e sloganeering and beating protagonists not only are like utensils. one-eyed wisdom of sage Shukaracharya, where one is The extremist politicians fascinated by his side of affiliated to Jammu came to perception only but also it

Epilogue Ø 22 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008 seems that they are bereft of the history We can never, first-of-all deny the fact think that only Hurriyat is demanding of J&K politics. Every voice emanating that Kashmiri community has never scraping of Armed Forces Special in Jammu these days be it the electronic allowed itself to be identified with the Powers Act (AFSPA). This draconian law or print media oscillates to dot the voice rest of India and culturally too their has created more havoc in Northeast of Kashmiri leaders and Kashmiri locals. Kashmiriyat was never part of the broad than in Kashmir. IAF has bombarded The hatred and acrimony against them Continental-cum-Secular-cum-Hindu them and used mortar shells and in has arisen to such a level that people influenced Indian ethos. Second-of-all 2004, the abduction and killing of have vowed not eat fruits from Kashmir we also have to wake up to the fact that Thangjam Manorama Devi triggered and made a bonfire of their handicrafts we have repeatedly blundered in our massive protests by the people of on streets of Jammu. brainless policy towards sensitive Manipur. A group of brave Mothers shook issues. Just to score some more seats in the conscience of the entire world by It is utmost necessary and meaningful to Punjab by dirty tricks, we tried to their nude protest in front of Assam point out that the bogie of quarantine Akalis by pitching Rifles HQ. But here in just 2 days of discrimination continuously raised Bhindrenwala and the havoc it did to Army's management on the streets, the nowadays by the people of Jammu is not India was in the shape of operation blue intellectuals of Jammu are crying foul, over-pampering of the Kashmir region star, sacrificing our women Prime so can we not just for a moment imagine but was a shrewd ploy by those heading Minister and the wave of resentment by what these people in Northeast and successively the PM's Office. It is part of Sikhs which we conveniently labeled Kashmir must be feeling? our States history that Maharaja Hari 'terrorism'. Singh in 1947 had approached both India We as Indians connect the image of and Pakistan with a “Standstill Likewise, in Kashmir, we promised 'near' Bharat Mata with bureaucracy of babu's Agreement” as he was in dilemma freedom in the shape of a sadar-i- and feel that we can commit no blunder whether to accede to Dominion of India riyasat and a Prime Minister. Art. 370 and do not realize how alienated and or Pakistan or to stay independent. It was a sacrosanct cornerstone and it has estranged minorities feel and what they should not, also be forgotten that over the time been diluted to the core, really feel about India and Hindu Kashmiri has never been empathetic specially by Delhi Agreement of 1952 Majority. The treatment to a Ladakhi towards India, he never wanted to be a and the famous Sheikh-Indira Accord in student in my class was not what mould part of India, and they are not ashamed 1975, the betrayal to the masses when make a Indian proud. Very few students to openly say it. Although, this may be Rajiv Gandhi and Farooq Abdullah shook would talk to him and he was a social highly objectionable for a patriotic hands to upset the mandate to MUF outcaste. When I asked him whether Indian, but this is the truth we do not forced them to respond in the way they Buddhists would have also protested want to accept. did. In return, we responded with like Kashmiris if land was acquired in unparalleled HR excesses, which saw a Ladakh, his reply was they would have. Mrs. Gandhi had her hair pulled by some lakh people dead, 10,000 still missing Even at the slightest provocation like Kashmiri girls in 1970's, and we know and what not. Army came and sat on the Dera Controversy, the Sikhs shout what slogans they raised during India their orchards, cultivable lands; schools the slogans of Khalistan Zindabad in West Indies Cricket match and the etc, our PM Mr. Singh had openly stated Gandhi Nagar. recently held Santosh Trophy. The to the separatists that short of Azadi 'sky biggest irony here is the fallacy of our is the limit' and at the same time we The dichotomy in our mindset is also successive decision makers that tried to checkmate them by placing Mr. very puzzling; on one hand we have no indulging Kashmiris with monetary Mufti at their back, so after all this, why h e s i t a t i o n i n a r r e s t i n g S r i packages will make them forget would they not protest when 100 acres Shankaracharya in Tamil Nadu who Pakistan and consequently sift their of land is transferred. May be they feel according to our scriptures is the sentiments, this political naivety on our that it is another ploy of Government of representative of Lord Shiva on this part was an attempt to “win” them over India to grab the land way from them. earth and non-different from Him. No which was at the cost of economic Christian nation whether in Europe or in growth of Jammu. It would be a great folly on our part to America would ever dare to arrest the

Epilogue Ø 23 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

Pope, but we had the shameless audacity to arrest the greatest bonafide spiritualist of New Delhi Should Explain, Hindus. Why Dialogue Is Stalled

We have no problem when Raj Thackeray threats non-marathis openly to get out of Interview with Maharashtra, but we take strong exception Shafi Uri when some renegade militant outfit does Senior Leader National Conference the same to Biharis in Kashmir. The entire Former Finance Minister belt of sacred town to Vrindaban adjacent to Rajasthan border, where Lord Krishna displayed his most enchanting pastimes has Lakhs of people are on Valley streets and been dug up and His spots where He ate and countryside with slogans of Azadi. How do you look played flute have been vandalized by the at this sudden eruption in Kashmir? sand mafia but how many Hindus care? Ask this question to New Delhi as they better know the No one of earth can ever justify the answer. Ask them why revocation of the land transfer but the way dialogue has been kept and the manner in which SAYSS is handling stalled for so long. There the most dangerous flashpoint on the face of was no sudden eruption. the earth as per America is now a free for all Earlier there was silence affair and the result is that we have a n d n o w t h e r e a r e reawakened the Frankenstein of separatism protests. Both are equally that was in coma for the last so many years. dangerous. My point is that we have always been Shabir Shah who was for 22 years and 8 saying that there is a months languishing in Indian jails was on problem which needs to record to say that he was open to look at b e u n d e r s t o o d a n d other options 'read political participation' addressed through a besides plebiscite. The vertical split in dialogue. I had since long Hurriyat in the shape of Hurriyat (M) and been saying that status Hurriyat (G) had considerably taken the quo will not lead us to sting out of separatist's and they were even anywhere. If New Delhi or contemplating to field proxy candidates in anyone else thinks that the coming elections. All these political wins maintaining silence on the have gone to seed and we are not back to issue for so long will square one but out of the game at the isolate the elements who present moment. are now being seen as unpleasant noise makers then I must say they are Our best bet Mr. Azad who was appreciated sadly mistaken. The results are evident as everyone even by a Kashmir local and was very fair to has seen over past few days in the Valley. Jammu in all aspects was booed out here when he resigned, which only shows the Some three months back the separatists were seen lack of political acumen of the Dogras. We brooding in isolation. It was the mainstream need someone to take us out of this logjam discourse that dominated Valley's political before the heavens fall. landscape.

Epilogue Ø 24 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

Don't see anyone in isolation. As I Why the dialogue broke down? There held by the people of Kashmir for so pointed out above silence is always has not been any positive movement many years. dangerous, what you are seeing today on Kashmir for nearly four years now. is nothing but just break down of The Government of India had three The question of land transfer is a silence. This was the worst result of round table conferences but there completely misunderstood theory. complacency. There may have been was no involvement of separatists. It When the government has been some signs of normality but people was a nice exercise to understand offering all logistic support then (in New Delhi) misconstrued this for various problems of Jammu and what these cries are all about. You stability. Stability is still a far cry. You Kashmir but did this address the basic name any pilgrimage –may it be Hajj, can't go ahead without addressing issue. No, it did not. Separatists have the affairs of Golden Temple or the the basic issue. Yes, there are felt completely isolated in the Kumbh festival –entire logistic different phases and calm is one of process. s u p p o r t i s p r o v i d e d b y t h e them. But when there is calm that governments. Only the internal does not mean every thing is alright. What happened to all these religious affairs are handled by the religious organizations. This should So where is the failure? discourses? Why the dialogue not have happened like this. broke down? There has not been It is obvious. It is in the breakdown of But people in Jammu talk about the dialogue or no dialogue at all. I am any positive movement on discrimination meted out against pained at times to see why India does Kashmir for nearly four years them by Kashmiri leaders. not learn lessons. There are several now. The Government of India trouble areas in the country but This is in sub conscious mind. The everywhere dialogue has always had three round table conferences discrimination sentiments prevail in remained a continuous process. Here but there was no involvement of Jammu ever since the popular in Kashmir, the credibility of an government took over reigns from entire big hearted process has been separatists. Maharaja's regime. My suggestion is eroded by cryptic stalling of that let's have a debate on the dialogue. Remember then Prime discrimination issue. Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee What is the way forward? addressing the Kashmiri people Have a look at all developmental taking a cue from the famous It can not be identified and parameters you will find no truth in couplets of poet Mehjoor. concluded here. Yes, a way has to be the discrimination theory. This is not found but then dialogue is the only the first agitation in Jammu on the While reaching out to the people of course to reach somewhere. The first allegations of discrimination. We Kashmir with a commitment of step forward is obvious to initiate a have seen Poonch agitation. growing flowers of peace, Vajpayee dialogue and reach out to the people with a big heart. showed reasoning and pragmatism Then Gajendragadkar Commission when he said that a resolution of and all other studies found that there Kashmir issue has to be sought in the How do you look at the eruption in i s n o s u b s t a n t i a l r e g i o n a l ambit of humanity and not the oft Jammu? discrimination. This is the era of repeated four walls of constitution. transparency. One can obtain all Then came the turn of Prime Minister Jammu agitation is based on notions. details of expenditure. You will find Manmohan Singh, who underlined the When some people say that Valley nothing in these complaints. If at all commitment of building a “New Muslims have hurt the Hindu there is some discrimination that is J a m m u a n d K a s h m i r ” . W h a t sentiments why do they forget the quite even in some areas of Jammu as happened to all these discourses? secular tradition of Amarnath Yatra well as Kashmir Valley.

Epilogue Ø 25 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

Replay Of 90’s ? Still No Lessons From History

Syeda Afshana

The impulses he Newton's third political consequences T h i s s i t u a t i o n w a s Throbs of thy dudgeon Law of Motion is except for keeping the exacerbated by the strangely Pangs of conscience a p p l i c a b l e t o dispute of Kashmir alive from 'action-less' attitude of I can hear; Tm e c h a n i c s a n d time to time, in spite of their neighbouring country that Iniquitous attitude equally well to human affairs political potential. happens to be one of the Injustice on thy part to a large extent. Atleast, crucial party to the Kashmir For an unknown crime that is definitely so if seen in It is said that the greatest issue. Failing to capitalize on Perhaps I can realize; the light of events of past few lesson of history is that the then popular upsurge, it Depth of bitterness months. The Jammu agitation nobody learns from history. could not come up to the Thine indignation is an apparent reaction to Perhaps, even far supreme expectations of the people Against all revocation of Land Transfer lesson is that we tend to who had perhaps pinned “too Perhaps I can gauge; and associated public uprising forget history. We need to many” hopes on the rulers over the issue in Valley. And Tears of torment remember our past for making a c r o s s t h e b o r d e r. the Economic Blockade, Tornado of aversion our future better. Remember N o t w i t h s t a n d i n g t h e which is no longer symbolic In thine eyes the wave of early 1990's in diplomatic, moral or material Perhaps I can see; now, is also a reaction to the Kashmir. This period saw support that they provided, Hurt psyche protests that took place here. mammoth mass uprising that they more or less left Ragged sentiment Again, the economic squeeze was subsequently crushed by Kashmiris in the lurch when Pricking thou inly led to fresh protests in Valley the powers. The loss of lives they needed them the most. Perhaps I can sense; that are continuing unabated. because of a number of Since then, the scenario in But perhaps The Valleyites are at the massacres and the enormous Pakistan has taken a volte Shackles on reason receiving end, in absence of level of brutality in the form face, relapsing the country Thy handcuffs any other alternative open o f d r a c o n i a n m i l i t a r y further, and correspondingly I can't break, road link to the outside world. operations suppressed the Kashmir has virtually been put I really can't. The protests, as such, in spite people, creating atrocious on the backburner, especially Forlorn myself of their reactionary nature fear psychosis. The people post 9/11. Striving for survival, are inevitable and not I can only be something that is going to were taken aback by the level A mute spectator. have spectacular political of oppression that was not The divided indigenous I can't even shout, impact, as many of us would anticipated, and for which separatist leadership too was I can't even cry. like and love to believe. There they were not actually somewhat unsuccessful in But perhaps have been strikes in past also prepared. The fervor feeling chalking out an effective and I can shut my eyes and the results have not been that Azadi was round the viable political roadmap for Kill my conscience as heartening as envisaged by corner could not mature into the movement. Perhaps, the And masses. The Hazratbal-siege, immediate reality and, in dominance of gun was too Leave thou groaning Chrar-e-Sharief crisis, and fact, got icy by the strategic overpowering or else the For all the time. Employees marathon-strike and ruthless maneuverings of setting was such as to Sorry Historians, to name some major events the ruling machinery that had relegate them to background. I'm helpless. that triggered protests and everything, from politicians, Yet again the separatist History is always extended strikes, but could media to statecraft at its political camp did not have A brute goddess. not translate in to stupendous backing. much to offer other than

Epilogue Ø 26 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008 general strikes as reaction against quite unthinkable. Simultaneously, the contingency event(s). The fact remained that after planning for putting up with any kind of a long saga of historical betrayals, Today 2008, down two decades of ups crises is to be anticipated and, likewise, Kashmir was out of the political-cold and downs, combined with the fallout too needs to be outlined storage just because of the gun factor resilience displayed by the people of radically. that had assumed a vital entry in the Kashmir, the resistance movement has landscape of resistance movement. throbbed all through, witnessing all Getting euphoric is welcome but kinds of socio-economic and political thinking and guiding masses in a well- The era of 1990's also witnessed a total brunt. High point enduring that the laid and organized way is compulsory. blackout of the events by the Indian public sentiment is still lively. This time media. Happenings were not reported around, let's hope, a pragmatic Let's hope and pray history does not at all, and information and opinions approach, augmented by the political repeat itself, and we are unforgettable were not widely disseminated due to acumen and vision can procure of its earlier lessons. lack of AV media outlets, not to speak of historical results. Internet availability. Rarely any voice from Indian intelligentsia could be The pro-active response is to be (The author is Assistant Professor at heard, and debating Kashmir, whether translated into a vigorous and vehement Media Education Research Centre, in media or in any other forum, was b u t d i s c i p l i n e d m o b i l i z a t i o n . MERC, University of Kashmir)

Epilogue Ø 27 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

Find The Enemy ....It Is Communalism

Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah

Often a thought leaves me wondering as why a country live India - second most populous in world, seventh vast in area, rich in resources and too rich in cultural diversity - is still struggling to carve out a position and get counted among the countries which stand as example to rest of the world. What holds India back is, obviously, the plague of communalism.

he constitution of India for a moment asking why more didn't die man behind the trigger has a promises its citizens certain in Jammu, that's not my point because predisposition to think in a particular fundamental rights that form we continue to value & uphold the way in this part of the world. One is Tthe very essence of it. It is the dignity of the human life no matter inclined to think that there occurs a utmost responsibility of all its whose. But what Iam asking is that it certain clandestine / blanket policy in functionaries to uphold the same in case fails my senses as to how so much blood the psyche of those with the duty of law of all of its people . The incidents of the shed can occur in such a short duration. enforcement. past few days in the valley & the Perhaps the bullets pumped from the preceding month or so in Jammu reflect weapons become more potent in The question haunting my mind- Is this poorly upon the state establishment & Kashmir. Or maybe the weaponry has a behavior warranted? The answer-NO. its functionaries. taste for the blood of the valley. Well The basic guiding principle of a public maybe neither, it is more likely that the administrator or anyone involved in law There appears a definite predilection in the thinking of law enforcement agencies & administrators. The way of handling of the public agitations & mobs on either side of the divide shows the evident & questionable bias against the valley in the minds of those operating in both regions. Critics may term it to be a confabulation of facts cooked up with fictitious ingredients. But Iam afraid howsoever strong the disapprovals may be, facts remain facts.

Even a cursory study of the statistics of violence reveals the obvious. It certainly doesn't take a space scientist to understand this ugly trend. 2 bloody days of violence in the valley consumed up to two dozen precious lives. In contrast 40 days of equally virulent violence took 6 precious lives. Iam not

Epilogue Ø 28 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008 enforcement is to rise above petty surely. The motive behind the so called credentials of both. It seems the past biases of caste, creed, color, region & `Sangarsh` was simply to pitch Hindus has completely been forgotten & for most importantly Religion. Unless that of the state against the Muslim majority good. Let me then remind all such basic premise is not employed in letter elements that the issue upon which a and spirit by those with public dealings, Of paramount importance is – mountain of problems was raked up by there is bound to be a problem in their vested interests namely the Amarnath functioning .While this utilitarian What & where the solution lies. yatra was a part & parcel of Kashmir's principle of neutrality is practiced by For finding a solution one has to culture. many, there remains a section who does reflect upon the problems & to not abide by it. That is perhaps the It was a Hindu journey for sure but explanation of why there is more understand their genesis and Muslims never objected to it (not even bloodshed on this side & not on the then aim at remedial measures. in the worst of times, I might add) .In other. Any treatment needs to cure the fact they actively participated in it, out of their own sweet will. Likewise having The other vital question is how in the disease and not just the stayed in Jammu for long years I can first did the situation turn into such a symptoms. In the past we have bear witness that I never felt any fiasco. That again has many reasons. animosity for myself or anyone of my The most dangerous and one that is all been crying about the faith. What then possibly went wrong? potentially fatal for the integrity of our symptoms of the underlying Perhaps someone needed an election state is the mixture of religion & politics pathology. issue & something to remain in the in Jammu. What started as an public eye only to capture power in far administrative issue was deliberately away New Delhi. That cannot be ruled maneuvered into a religious one. The The plan was too well orchestrated to out considering the saffron league has a virulence & venemosity of the saffron fail. The result is that today there are past history of such brazen acts of brigade has done its job, silently but questions being raised on the secular molestation against the fabric of secularism.

The bad air has perhaps gone too foul for any sane soul to breathe in. Such extreme polarization between the two peoples has tarnished the secular credentials of our state to a great degree. Although there is a long history of this plague in other regions, the state of J&K was immune to it up until now, Iam afraid not any more. The seeds of mutual hatred have been sown & they seem to have sprouted in no time. That is a dangerous precedent & if not arrested it will take a heavy toll, as it already has.

Of paramount importance is – What & where the solution lies. For finding a solution one has to reflect upon the problems & to understand their genesis

Epilogue Ø 29 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

and then aim at remedial measures. Any treatment needs to cure the disease and not Kashmiri Muslim Does just the symptoms. In the past we have all been Not Tolerate Jammu crying about the symptoms of the underlying pathology. Hindus, Muslims

Any solution to the current fiasco should be Interview with broad based. The civil society of both regions Prof Varinder Gupta needs to deliberate on a common ground.(And President Jammu State Morcha, that does not include those who started the fire seeking trifurication of J&K , namely vested political personalities ) .It may seem difficult , but it is certainly not impossible. The need of the hour is to insulate The ongoing agitation is perhaps the longest in Jammu region people from the nefarious elements professing in last 60 years. Contemporaries say even the Poonch agitation religious hatred in Jammu. It is about time the or the Darbar Move agitation were not as widespread as the establishment cracked down upon "trident present one is. The premise of agitation is little confusing. The brandishing miscreants" in that part of our Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti –spearheading agitation state. –says the agitation is about Hindu sentiments hurt by the shrine land controversy. The constituent units, including your Their role in promoting communal hatred is all party, claim that the movement is a protest against the too obvious to ignore. It is also of vital political and economic discrimination meted out with Jammu importance for the common masses in this part region. How do you sum up? of the state not to resort to actions like destroying public property, or stoning vehicles The present agitation no doubt is religious one, but because the including ambulances . It is the duty of all of us issue of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board Land pertains to upholding to prevent such elements from taking the the secular traditions and ethos as enshrined in our constitution protests into their hands. They are in fact no every community of Jammu region thought to support and join better than those forcing an economic blockade the movement. Further, the people of Jammu region have upon us. suffered because of the communal, secessionist and anti- Jammu policies of Kashmiri leaders and they have been discriminated At the same time the high principles of public against in all spheres of life and treated as second class citizens, dealing need to be strictly adhered to. The role of irrespective of their religion and caste they found in the present the administrators & policing agencies is critical agitation an opportunity to express their resentment and anger. in revival of any normalcy in the minds of people. The present agitation is thus an outburst of common man of Any partisan or prejudiced individuals should be Jammu against the Kashmiri leaders, against their communal and purged away to restore the confidence of the anti- Jammu politics and against the Kashmiri domination. general public in the institutions. In this regard the initiative of removing the chief of a The SAYSS is engaged in a dialogue with an official panel of the paramilitary force is a step in the right direction, Governor to resolve the impasse. The dialogue agenda, however more needs to be done to infuse seeking to end the present agitation, does not carry any point confidence into the minds of people. like regional discrimination. The Samiti leaders are on record saying that the agitation shall be called off only when the land The road ahead doesn't look too bright but Iam withdrawal order is rescinded, land is restored to the Shrine reminded that " The darkest hour of the night Board permanently, and the Governor NN Vohra is removed. lies just before the dawn " . Praying for a new Does this address the discrimination issue? dawn for all of us . . .

Epilogue Ø 30 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

Though the present agitation is desire to create a buffer between the the communal and fundamental confined to the land issue, but it has expanding Russian empire and their elements to feed suspicion between the provided an opportunity to the people Indian dominion. The nature has also regions and thus nourish communalism of Jammu region to assert and give a made these regions as three distinct and disaffection. At present all the clear cut signal to the Kashmiri geographical identities: Jammu region three regions feel alienated from each leadership and to the Government of is separated from the Kashmir Valley by other and they are in reconciling India that Jammu region should not be Peerpanjal Mountain whereas Kashmir situation. taken for granted any further. If is separated from Ladakh by Korakaram anything is done against the aspirations ranges of Zanskar Moutain. e) Jammu and Ladakh regions have and interests of the people of Jammu been discriminated against by the region, they would vigorously and even b) All the three regions have different Kashmiri leaders in all the spheres. violently react and oppose such a move. political, linguistic, social and cultural Their aspirations have always been It is also an assertion that wishes of the perceptions. The interests, aspirations ignored. They have been dragged along people of Jammu region have to be and needs of these regions are by imposing the wishes of the people of ascertained before arriving at any conflicting and mutually exclusive. To Kashmir. solution of Jammu and Kashmir keep the regions under one state during imbroglio and they would no longer f) So long Jammu region remains part of tolerate any dictates either from the To keep the regions under one the present state it would not get valley or from the Government of India state during the dictatorial rule justice. It would not get its due in this matter. The present agitation has representation in the state legislature boosted the morale of the people of of a King may have been possible in the Lok Sabha, in state civil Jammu region for their further fight but it is not desirable to not secretariat and in other Govt. services, against the Kashmiri domination and allow the people to progress and in the matter of development and in the discrimination and to achieve justice develop as per their interests and selections to the professional for themselves. aspirations in a democratic institution. system. For almost 20 years you have been g) Jammu region is facing a great threat running a movement for trifurcation to its identity because of the Kashmiri of Jammu and Kashmir. You want the dictatorial rule of a King may have domination and because of its separate statehood for Jammu. What been possible but it is not desirable to secessionist and communal agenda. are the bases for this demand? not allow the people to progress and develop as per their interests and There have been attempts to divide aspirations in a democratic system. Jammu region on communal lines and The demand of trifurcation of Jammu disturb the atmosphere of religious and Kashmir state is based on the tolerance and communal harmony by following bases: c) The trifurcation of the state shall not the Pak agents and by the Kashmiri only satisfy the aspirations of the leaders. If the region is separated from people of three different regions, but a) The union of Jammu, Kashmir and the valley these threats would vanish. Ladakh is an unnatural wedlock. All the it shall also eliminate the role of religio- three regions have their own distinct regional appeals in politics in this part h) Trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir identity and personality. The state of of the country. state shall also pave a way to resolve Jammu and Kashmir came into being by Kashmir issue. the treaty of Amritsar in March 1846. d) The union of Jammu, Ladakh and The integration of three regions was Kashmir regions has become counter merely political and mainly motivated productive. The artificial union of these If we look at some ground realities, by the British Indian Government's regions has provided opportunities to the discrimination story does not

Epilogue Ø 31 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

hold well. Per capita development assembly seats in favour of Kashmir separatist sentiment in Valley and expenditure is basic criteria to province was four not two. In 2002 the pushed the situation to a level which determine the balance or partiality Parliament only put the ceiling on the Pakistan could never do in last 60 in regional development. The number of seats in the state years. Then what good the Jammu a v e r a g e a n n u a l p e r c a p i t a assemblies and decided not to leadership is doing to patriotism and development expenditure in Jammu increase the number of seats till 2026. Indian nationalism? and Kashmir is Rs 901. If looked at The NDA govt. did not exempted the regional level it works out to Rs Jammu and Kashmir Government from It is wrong to say that Jammu does not 991.16 in Jammu region and Rs 767 the Delimitation Commission. It is the tolerate the Kashmiri Muslims. in Kashmir region. Therefore, Kashmiri leadership that always Number of Kashmiri Muslims including average per capital plan expenditure opposed any increase in the number of the Kashmiri leaders who have anti- in Jammu region is more than Rs 200 assembly seats for Jammu region. Of Jammu mindset migrated to Jammu in higher than what is allocated in the course, the Government of India is 1990. In spite of surcharged communal Valley. also responsible which always tries to atmosphere in Jammu because of appease the Kashmir leadership and migration of Kashmir Pandits, Jammu The figure is fabricated and did not allow the increase under the Dogras and Sikhs people of Jammu completely false. The figure does not pressure from the Kashmir leadership. region did not raise finger against agree with the Government's own them. statement about the expenditure In 2002 the Parliament only put made in the 8th and 9th plan under the the ceiling on the number of seats It is Muslim Kashmir that does not different heads. Let the concerned in the state assemblies and tolerate not only Jammu Hindu but authority who has supplied this decided not to increase the also Jammu Muslim. Trifurcation of information comes out with details. number of seats till 2026. The the state would allow all the regions to get their aspirations fulfilled and Number of assembly constituencies NDA govt. did not exempted have the Government of their choice, and therefore the balance of Jammu and Kashmir free of pulls and pressures from the political power are skewed in favour Government from the other respective regions. The o f K a s h m i r Va l l e y. T h i s i s Delimitation Commission. situation in Kashmir has always u n d e r s t a n d a b l e . T h e l a s t remained vulnerable. It was worst in delimitation was held in early 1990s 1990. Kashmir Valley witnessed mass An average leaders or activist in when Jammu region got five more protests on Shri Amarnath Land row on Jammu always seeks pride in assembly constituencies, Ladakh and after 22nd June, 2008. There was declaring himself as the most pure and Kashmir got two each. That was no economic blockade; it was Kashmiri Indian patriot and nationalist. Look held during the President's rule. leadership that made the false at from the international level, Later in 2002, the then BJP led NDA propaganda about the economic India's position on Kashmir is always government exempted J&K from the blockade that was flared up by the sensitive. Had it not been like this, purv iew of the Delimitation media and even by the Government of Kashmir would not have been an Commission headed by Justice India without ascertaining the facts. issue for 60 years. Demanding Kuldeep Singh. Then is it the This was done to sabotage and curb trifurcation means sending across Kashmiri leadership alone to be the present Jammu agitation. message that the Hindu majority blamed for this imbalance or you can Government of India and the State Jammu does not tolerate the think of some other factors also. government are responsible for the Kashmir Muslims. And then look at present situation in the valley. They the present agitation. There were did not tackle it properly and allowed The last delimitation was done in 1996 the talks like economic blockade it to take the present shape. and not in 1990. The increase in the which has consolidated the

Epilogue Ø 32 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

Our Mis-Leaders, 39 Hectares Of Land And Seesaw Of Faith

Suninder Kaur

The high velocity driftage that turned a soft snowball into a deadly avalanche is the gift of our adored mis -leaders whose actions exhibit nothing less than radicalism. The state which has been in cringing position for last two decades was again clinched in a confused motion. The course of normalization been put into a topsy-turvy standing by creating a havoc. The tumultuous disorder was been provoked for the formation of a vote maze in which the makers themselves got stuck. The labyrinth which was made to grab ballots at the cost of bullets in the intricate streets of the valley was thought to carry some people to power but it just led things to the perplexity.

bungled state order was used temperature of air in the valley rose up that has been used by yatris for more as a bow to shoot out cautions, to the degree which blew masses to the than 200 years before the formation of t h r e a t s , b l a m e s & historical Lal chowk including every Shrine Board the whole picturesque Aindictments. The order was to small or big street of the valley. Oceans town of Pahalgam used to look like administer the expediency of Amarnath of humanity in a single tone incessantly Shivlok & all Kashmiris used to cherish it yatris by transferring the right to use of demanding for the cancellation of without any problem. No one ever 800 kanals of forest land temporarily to botchy transfer order of land. A grave complained of pollution of any sort or Shri Amarnath Shrine Board. It spoke for mockery bewildered a common degree, nobody used to reproach that momentary diversion of right from state Kashmiri who got blinded by the wheeze the peaceful affair of 40 to 50 days of to the board which got over estimated to see that same land & even more than pilgrimage can turn Chandanwari or by sham as well as the real separatists who could not stop themselves from advising to all stake holders i n Ka sh mir's e cology, environment, identity and culture that Kashmir is going to be exploited and Israel type colonies of Hindus are being set up at Baltal. The s y n c h r o n i z i n g misinformation move was adhered by each and every pitched voice of Kashmir. All protuberant antagonists and even supporting partners of state government; restive to rebuke and make an issue out of no issue for securing pro-party slogans. The culpability game served as a thermal plant by which the

Epilogue Ø 33 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

Sonamarg into a Hindu terrain. This year exhibited by restraining media & because no such uproar is justifiable when the toll of devotees was ever bringing sms services at halt. The for few trucks of Hazaratbali the only highest, the serene Chinars were again opinionated arrogant actions were kind of apples ripened in the month of made to hear vociferous cries of wailing pertinent by imposition of indefinite August in Kashmir. This bizarre and valley. The huffy state of things curfews, disrespecting a dead body, uncanny tactic was used for encompassed angles of communalism & putting the rituals at stake; assaulting blackmailing and menacing Delhi as it hemmed in several attacks on yatris. journalists furthermore exhilarated has been the strongest weapon of the young hot blood for a stiff claim of separatists. The influence of exigent demand being nothing less than land. The utilitarian very impelling persuaded the approach been adopted by Jammu. The whole hullabaloo got the blood of government to revoke the transfer of Notwithstanding the economic losses dozens of people spilled over for the land order creating one side of pseudo attacks on some body's t h e d e l i c a t e s w i n g i n g Yeh saazishen dishaon ki yeh sazishen hawaaon ki, faith and other's identity oscillator down The state again inculcating zilch. Now it is on the edge of emotional Lahu luhan ho gayi zameen yeh devtaaon ki, high time to stop this haywire division for the rescinded Na shankh ki sadayen hain na ab sadaa azaan ki, outré. It is a matter so order was been felt as a squall delicate that if one side is up at faith & credence of Nazar meri zameen ko lagi hai aasmaan ki, the other side is ruined unlike Jammuites. People along one Hai darbadar ye log kyon jale hain kyon makaan. a traditional seesaw. A sea side of Pirpanchal jubilant at void created by this outlandish the cost of resentment of Yeh kis ne aag daal di hai naram naram ghaas par, grotesque needs to be filled. those on the other side who Likha hua zindagi yahan har ek laash par, turned indignant at the unjust Yeh takhat ki ladaai hai, yeh kursiyon ki jung hai, A soothing sound is to be motion. People of entire echoed across the whole state Jammu region again felt the Yeh begunah khoon bhi siyaston ka rang hai, which is to be produced by a precedential step-motherly lakir khinch di gayi dilon ke darmiyan. huge clap in which one hand is treatment by a cogent to be of a Jammuite & other of demonstration of playing with a Kashmiri. Only such music belief. The apoplectic feelings of hundreds of crores in industrial can bring back peace and rest got stimulated to a mass movement, sphere, education being at a in this geologically, linguistically the ire of which even turned down the standstill, common man facing the diversified state. The loathsome republican scenario of the state. The scarcity of basic amenities---naught a degeneracy can be ceased only by irresistible wrath & unstoppable hurdle in the fissionable fashioned means of the anticipation of common impulse could not stop the youth from movement. Again a heed was given in masses when they will firmly start crossing rivers, destroying property, the Valley of whimsical economic believing that this kind of vileness can assailing security forces defying their blockade, there being none at ground drag the state to the noxious and misty rage. Such persons invite openly to be level. The volumed, fallacious spells of darkness. All this is possible dubbed as communal fanatics& recognizable voices trying to beat when people across both sides of zealots.+ against the bushes by describing the Jawahar Tunnel will start realizing people of Jammu to be monomaniac that they are merely being used like The role of administrative agencies inhibitants of two and a half tyrannical the pieces on the checkered board proved to be demonic which aired the districts. The fruit season in Kashmir with the object to checkmate the curb of basic democratic rights viz of usually starts in mid September but opponent king. Such piqued speech & expression, right to know, the traders on the prick force got depravities need to be comprehended right to move. Except for this the spurred for bullying to move to PoK. rationally and a serious thought to be autocratic tendencies were been The plea taken was obnoxiously false given to this;

Epilogue Ø 34 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

Jam-Kash Showdown Clash Of Vested Interests

S Zafar Mehdi Safvi

The horrible fears have after all come true. Alas! MK Gandhi's "glimmer of hope" was not to last any longer. It's Jammu versus Kashmir no-holds-barred showdown. Regional and religious sentiments, coupled with parochial and chauvinistic interests rule the roast currently, while the grand old edifice of Kashmiriyat has been reduced to rubble. The superior concepts of secularism, communal amity and brotherhood have been nipped into the bud.

he state which had stood the notes veteran political commentator chalk-and-cheese ideologies and harsh tests of time, remaining Balraj Puri, reminding that now "neither political affiliations, they have all unaffected by the mad politicians nor administration can assembled under same umbrella Tcommunal frenzy even during control it. It has become a popular currently, to show their solidarity with Partition days has ultimately fallen into upsurge". (Mail today, 9/8/08). Puri people. Never mind their petty political the vicious trap of vested interests, who puts the blame squarely on saffron gains, brazen vote-bank politics, have always been hell-bent on brigade for triggering this gory obviously with eye on the upcoming tarnishing our rich social and cultural cauldron. Now as the ground reality Assembly polls in state. fabric and out to disintegrate state on suggests, it has snowballed into a full- sectarian lines. Regrettably their blown communal war between two But amidst this entire din, no one iniquitous and wicked designs managed warring sister provinces and more bothers to reason out whose pride is to hit the arrow bang on this time. Such importantly between two communities. actually at stake, and who stands to a long-standing and bloody impasse has It is assuming alarming proportions gain from this whirlpool of brutality and been unprecedented in the long with each passing day. anarchy. To crack this "Da Vinci code", chequered history of Kashmir, eclipsing lets trace the sequence of events that even the bigger legendary Hazratbal It's no more about Congress versus BJP led us to this impasse. controversy of bygone period, turf wars or BJP vs. Kashmiri regional aftermath of Maqbool Bhat's execution parties; its more about Jammu vs. Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) was in 80's and outbreak of secessionist Kashmir face-off across political and constituted on Feb 21, 2001 by J&K movement in early 90's. Precious lives communal spectrum. Many slender lines govt, for the smooth conduct of have been lost, and incalculable have got blurred, as prides are at stake. Amarnath yatra. It carried out its task collateral damage reported. More Many Congress and NC leaders from admirably, without any fuss for many significantly, the notions of communal Jammu are openly throwing their years. Then after a long while, all of a harmony, inter-religious tolerance, weight behind saffron forces like BJP, sudden, a novel bug struck then brotherhood, and peace have failed the RSS, VHP etc, even if that means Governor S K Sinha (also chairman of litmus test, and stand shaken. 'Jam- flouting the party lines and annoying SASB). Earlier he asked for extension in Kash' unity has suffered a brutal blow, high commands in 10 Janpath and Nawai yatra duration, which was granted. almost beyond repair. And, pitiably Subh complex respectively. Then he wanted huge mass of Govt land enough, we gave in so cheaply to the for construction of facilities for yatris. impious designs of our enemies and Similarly in Kashmir, politicians from This time he got it terribly wrong. But, enemies of our state. mainstream arena are rather he was adamant on getting the deal audaciously humming the separatist inked IN SASB's favor. So after constant Who actually pulled the trigger to this tunes, and pledging support to their p e r s u a s i o n b y S A S B , b a c k e d mess? "It was started by Sangh parivar," every move. Notwithstanding their enthusiastically by Sangh brigade, state

Epilogue Ø 35 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008 govt had permitted SASB use of play. However their actual argument both water and land" (E&PW, 26 July forestland on May 29, 05. Not by a sheer merits serious consideration. 08). co-incidence, Shrine Board's CEO was Governor's personal secretary, and Amarnath Yatra has never faced any Hurriyat leaders in the meantime Forest Deptt's principal Secretary was threat from any section of Kashmiri managed to mobilize the tremendous CEO's wife. CEO's wife in capacity of society, nor from militants. In fact support of Kashmiris, and thus a mini- being Principal Secretary of forest Kashmiri Muslims have stood by Hindu revolution kicked off in valley against department had granted permission to Yatris through thick and thin for "land-grabbing" by govt. It was a kind of SASB on May 29, 05 to use forestland for decades. So yatra isn't the cause of strand that pulled together farmers, pilgrimage. But as eminent civil rights worry, but granting huge chunks of land laborers, students, lawyers, activists, activist Gautam Navlakha notes," It was and paving way for more environmental businessmen, employees, and you name not in accordance with provision of J&K h a za rd s c e rta i n l y i s. As a n y it. Violence erupted soon after, leading Forest Conservation Act 97, so state environmentalist or ecologist would to deaths unarmed protestors. As valley govt later withdrew the order" approve, it poses grave challenges to was already on boil, Jammu began its (Economic and Political weekly, July 26, the ecology of the area, which is the tryst with counter-stir. Azad Govt, 08). Later SASB moved the court and caught in catch-22, finally decided to Division bench of High Court stayed the revoke the deal in favor of voices in withdrawal. In between, Governor Then, on June 17, Governor's Kashmir. But not before, its ally PDP Sinha, also then chairman of SASB shot notorious Principal Secretary already sealed his Govt's fate. Hopping the letter to deputy CM Muzaffar Beigh, and SASB CEO kicked up a mad by the Volta-facie of govt on land- seeking 400 acres land for Amarnath storm by declaring land transfer deal, saffron forces in Jammu Development Authority. On June 03, resorted to extreme steps—blocking the Govt eventually but hastily transferred "diversion" as "permanent". It Srinagar-Jammu highway, and cutting 100 acres land to SASB. Even though drew scathing criticism from all the essential supplies to valley. With Beigh later publicly admitted to have quarters. More importantly it economic blockade, they virtually been "blackmailed" into giving his brought the two estranged declared war against Kashmir. Situation approval. (Indian Express, July 16,08). took ugly turn in Jammu when one of Hurriyat factions together, and the agitators committed suicide, out of Then, on June 17, Governor's notorious they found the time apt to bury desperation. Jummuites went berserk Principal Secretary and SASB CEO kicked their hatchet and leave all thereafter, attacking local Muslims and up a storm by declaring land "diversion" differences aside for the cause of Kashmiri truck drivers at will, besides as "permanent". It drew scathing razing down Mosques and other Muslim criticism from all quarters. More motherland. structures. Police virtually gave them importantly it brought the two free hand to commit grave communal estranged Hurriyat factions together, route to some top tourist destinations. crimes. RSS's Tilak Raj Sharma, who and they found the time apt to bury As Naulakha stresses, " Environmental spearheads Amarnath Sangarsh Samiti their hatchet and leave all differences damage caused is enormous. Yatris called it a "do-or-die agitation", whose aside for the cause of motherland. defecate on the banks of Lidder River final outcome would be "trifurcation of They constituted a joint coordination and throw tones of non-degradable s t a t e i n t o n e a t c o m m u n a l committee and vowed to fight tooth and items like polythene, plastic bags, into compartments of Hindu Jammu, Muslim nail against what they termed "land- the river, resulting in deteriorating Kashmir, and Buddhist Ladakh" (Mail grabbing" by Govt. They launched a stir quality of water". He also points to the Today, Aug 09, 08). At centre, Hindutva across valley with main thrust on the threat it poses to local inhabitation veterans resorted to their customary environmental impact that the there, "Also, threat to local inhabitants vitriolic and venomous campaign controversial land-transfer deal would from crowding of ecological fragile area against Muslims. LK Advani gave a green have. Soon, as tempers ran hot and where they have to compete to retain signal to saffron cadres at a rally in high, pent-up sentiments came into their access and rights to resources, capital, exhorting them to launch an

Epilogue Ø 36 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008 agitation against "anti-Hindu" mindset Now as the situation prevails on ground, Rahim Rather have been vocal about of UPA govt. He asked them to gear up it looks due for a long haul. Deep party's stand. But their maverick patron for "do-or-die agitation" and support the religious fault lines have developed, Senior Abdullah had ruffled many a "courageous" people of Jammu. sectarian split has widened and the feathers when he demanded return of virus of regionalism has spread its land to SASB, although soon following it Terming the wanton communal tentacles all across. Every politically up with a corrigendum. Omar carnage in Jammu by saffron fanatics correct actor has determinedly tried to meanwhile has stepped up the tempo, as act of "courage", it didn't even cash in on this crisis to reap petty threatening to resign from Parliament in provoke so-called civil rights activists political dividends ahead of Assembly case violence against Kashmiris doesn't in capital to give him a mouth-ful. And, polls. In Kashmir, PDP has been a vocal end. The same person who declared coming from a prime-ministerial cheerleader for anti-deal lobby himself in an emotional outburst to be a contender, it says a lot about the represented by Hurriyat. But, its also proud Indian in parliament not too long hyped-about plank of secularism in pertinent to note that it was PDP leader ago is today questioning the claim of this largest democracy. New Delhi that Kashmir is India's "atoot ang". Customary Double-speak this! Things spiraled out of joint Things spiraled out of joint when when separatists after getting an separatists after getting an unlikely Congress finds itself in a precarious s u p p o r t e r i n P D P c a l l e d f o r unlikely supporter in PDP called situation. It is the chief protagonist in "Muzaffarbad march" to protest against for "Muzaffarbad march" to this reality-show. Siding with Jammu economic blockade by Hindutva protest against economic people at this juncture would mean annoying the Kashmiri vote-bank (if fanatics. Scores of protestors were blockade by Hindutva fanatics. killed, including a senior Hurriyar there is still any!), and standing by leader Sheikh Aziz, when police and Scores of protestors were killed, Kashmiris would be aka inviting wrath of paramilitary troops resorted to including a senior Hurriyar Jammu voters (The traditional bastion indiscriminate fire on protestors. But leader Sheikh Aziz, when police of Congress). So Azad and company have People defied curfew call and braved all and paramilitary troops resorted decided to refrain from swimming in odds to turn up for the march. troubled waters. Separatists from Mirwaiz to Sajjad Lone to indiscriminate fire on vehemently denounced the economic protestors. But People defied Separatists meanwhile have made blockade of valley by Saffron forces in curfew call and braved all odds maximum out of this stalemate. They Jammu, terming it an "act of war". to turn up for the march. have shot back into limelight and struck Social and trade organizations and emotional chord with hyper- student unions like JKCCS, CCIK, sentimental Kashmiris. Leading the KHAROF, Trade Union Centre, KU and then Forest minister Qazi Afzal, charge from front in these trying times, Students, and Kashmir Pandit Sangarsh who had given thumbs up to the land- they have rightfully emerged as Samiti fully backed the "Muzaffarabad transfer deal, and that would not have torchbearers of the movement. It has chalo" call by Separatists. Though been possible without the blessings of also refreshed the memories of early politicians at Centre called the Big Boss Mufti. Besides him, other 90's, when young boys would daringly economic blockade as 'myth", it didn't signatory was senior PDP leader pour out on streets in defiance of mask the truth, which eventually made Muzaffar Beigh, then Azad's deputy. draconian norms. More importantly the its way into international community. It Beigh says he was 'blackmailed", while present cauldron has managed to break was apparent with New York Times party boss Mehbooba goes a step further the ice in separatist camp, with two running a headline " deadly force used saying, his ministers "misled the party" estranged factions calling peace with to halt march in Kashmir" on Aug 12. on the details of deal. Cheap talk this! each other. Azadi chants are again Other widely read foreign papers like National conference may have played reverberating in air, international Guardian, Washington Post; L A Times second fiddle role in this anti-deal spotlight is back on Kashmir, popular followed the suit. rhetoric but its leaders Omar Abdullah, support in valley has swung back in

Epilogue Ø 37 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008 favor of separatists. Mirwaiz faction president Sanjay Tickoo maintains, l an d, an d re mov al of ar my fr om J ammu seems to have made peace with militant "Amarnath Yatra is being used as a tool which didn't find favor with delegation outfits, Geelani though has emerged as by some elements in Jammu to fulfill members. As of now, return to normalcy an unlikely hero, and Yasin Malik has their own interests". That merits a looks a distant dream. With no solution again shown by example why he is serious thought. in sight, and no camp willing to budge different from rest of the flock. Lastly even an inch from their stands, the Shaheed Sheikh Aziz has given fresh Centre meanwhile has gone pitifully crisis is due for a long haul. Hope the fillip to the freedom movement, and bang in hammering out a solution to this better sense prevails. Because, while further strengthened the resolve of crisis. Govt's trouble-shooters are politicians only stand to gain from this those who fight for it. cooling their heels elsewhere. Govt had bloody cauldron, it's the pride and dispatched Art of Living guru Sri Sri Ravi honor of state and its people that is at In Jammu too, politicians of all hues Shankar as peace emissary, to discuss a stake. God save my troubled land across party lines have vowed their support to pro-transfer deal agitation, Separatists meanwhile have Author studies at Jamia Milia Islamia spearheaded by Saffron brigade. These University, New Delhi. Feedback at include prominent leaders from made maximum out of this [email protected]. Congress, Panthers Party and N.C. But stalemate. They have shot back the potent force remains Saffron lobby into limelight and struck represented by BJP, RSS, VHP, Bajranj emotional chord with hyper- Dal, et al. They have cashed in on this crisis to regain the lost ground in sentimental Kashmiris. Leading Jammu, and wipe away Congress from the charge from front in these the region ahead of Assembly polls. trying times, they have rightfully They have unleashed a reign of terror on emerged as torchbearers of the Muslims there and resorted to grave movement. It has also refreshed crimes, which is not unlikely of them. Double standards have again been at the memories of early 90's, when play. While in Kashmir protestors were young boys would daringly pour beaten with disdain for breaking the out on streets in defiance of orders, and fired on indiscriminately, draconian norms. and even faced raids at nights (in Downtown areas); while in Jammu, agitators were literally given free hand way out of the current crisis with to indulge in mindless violence. Hence Hurriyat hawk SAS Geelani. But he went little wonder, just 2 were killed in back dejected, as expectedly. Arya Jammu in 20 days of chakka protests, Samaj leader Swami Agvinesh also came while the toll has crossed 30 in valley in calling on the septuagenarian leader, just a week. In valley not even a single and hailed Hurriyat as " sole case of attack on local Hindus and representative body" of Kashmiris. That pandits has come to fore, while in must have created flutters in New Jammu, local Muslims have gone Delhi. All part delegation from center through hell in last few weeks, forcing headed by Home Minister Shivraj Patil them to migrate to safe places outside spent two grueling days trying to the region. These hindutva fanatics hammer out a solution but in vain. It's have played havoc with the rich cultural reported that Sangarsh Samiti's @01912493136 and communal fabric of our state. As demands-3r formula led to failed talks… Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti removal of governor, transfer of Baltal

Epilogue Ø 38 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

Reconnecting Kashmir : Need For Reopening Traditional Routes

Prof Noor Ahmed Baba

ne of the dimensions of last five thousand years of its history has to Rawalpindi to meet the railroad Kashmir issue has been the remained at the crossroads of crossing within the Punjab. Before fact of the Kashmir being civilizational interface and a meeting partition this road carried the larger Opushed to a status of point of Chinese, Central Asian, Indian part of the state's traffic in men and secluded periphery by the 1947 political and Persian civilizations, cultures and material. Most of the tourist flow to the development. The division of Indian economies. In addition to its links with state came from this route. sub-continent, de facto division of North and more particularly North Jammu and Kashmir and the placement Western Indian sub-continent, it has Thus the 1947 developments pushed of its two parts under the actual control had close trade and cultural relations Kashmir center to a sort of isolation and of two different and hostile states, and with places in the present day China, seclusion. The division of Indian sub- the resultant hardening of borders, Tibet, a number of cities in Central Asia, continent and de facto division of pushed the valley of Kashmir and its Afghanistan, Iran and via silk road even surrounding regions to a number of Jammu and Kashmir and the placement to Europe. social, psychological, political and of its two parts under the actual control economic disadvantages. During 1947- of two different and hostile states, and 48 the Jammu and Kashmir got divided Traditionally Kashmir remained the resultant hardening of borders between what is known as Indian and connected to these places at different reinforced by hate and conflict, pushed Pakistani controlled Kashmir. After 1962 points through routes passing Ladakh- the valley to a number of social, Chinese aggression the former princely Tibet; Ladakh-Xinjiang (Eastern- psychological, political and economic state of Jammu and Kashmir is Turkistan); Kargil-Skardu-Gilgit and disadvantages. Almost all of its major practically divided into three parts. Out beyond; Bandipora-Gurez-Chilas-Gilgit; connecting points were blocked and of the total of 222,236 sq. km of what Srinagar-Muzaffarabad-Rawalpindi Jammu and Kashmir became dependent used to be Jammu and Kashmir till 1947, connecting to road and rail networks in on a highway that had never been different directions within British India; Pakistan holds 78,114 sq. km i.e. about considered reliable in comparison to 35 percent of the territory. China with Punch-Rawalakot and beyond into roads and connections that historically 42,735 sq. km holds about 20 percent of Punjab from different directions. Most connected Jammu and Kashmir with the territory. Not many people know of these routes moving to North would rest of the world. This seclusion had a that what is shown as Indian territory in link the state to areas that are known lot of emotional and psychological maps is not what India actually holds. today, Afghanistan, Central Asian implications for the people of Kashmir, India controls only 101,383 sq. km i.e. States, Xinjiang province of China, the families divided on two sides of the only about 45 percent of the total Tibet and through linkage on silk route Line of Control (LoC) was in itself a territory indicated on the Indian maps. to more countries. Most of these routes human tragedy. These developments not only did including the two surfaced roads and separate different parts of the state one railroad connected with the from the surrounding countries but transportation network of the State to This has been the one the greatest different regions within the state and areas that went to Pakistan. The disadvantages that Kashmir has even on each side of the Line of Control Muzaffarabad, the only all-weathered suffered because of its post 1947 were cut off from one another. road in preparation Kashmir, ran west political placement. This disadvantage from Srinagar along the Jhelum valley has also been shared by its surrounding It needs to be noted that Kashmir for through the Baramulla pass, and south regions like Kargil and Leh and Poonch-

Epilogue Ø 39 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

Rajouri which continue to suffer the rainy season. Recent threat of its and the handicraft sector in the state. communication disadvantage. The blockade in Jammu has exposed its For fruit growers time and freight cost partition and the de facto division of the other risks for the Valley. Compared to of the supply to markets will be state secluded the state, regions within Muzaffarabad road it is less secure and considerably reduced. For, example for the state and even regions within each also lengthier to carry goods to centers apple growers at Sopore distance to side of the LoC. For example Punch city of trade. Even though it is not generally Delhi is more than a thousand prior to 1947 was on about five hours realized, this fact has socially and kilometers and truck load of apple on an run from the Srinagar via Rawalakot and economically marginalized the people average takes three days to cover Uri. But because of the LoC road travel of the Kashmir valley. Because of this distance to Delhi. Compared to this distance between Punch and Srinagar fact people of Kashmir have always Sopore to Rawalpindi is only 250 km and has become practically a minimum of remained nostalgic about the can be covered in about six to seven two day run. Muzaffarabad road. That is why its hours time. Compared to Bombay-Port, reopening has figured as important CBM where the Kashmiri traders presently The disadvantages of political on Kashmir in different official and take the goods, the Karachi port is uncertainty and impact of on-going nonofficial meetings between India and about 1200 Km nearer to Kashmir. As conflict on the place created its own Pakistan. It is in this context opening of against the distance of 3000 kilometers predicaments and problems of serious bus service on the route on April 2003 between Bombay and Srinagar, Karachi nature for the people of Kashmir. The made a sense. It was expected to is only 1800 kilometers away from the fact to be noted is that about 82 % J&K gradually lead to conversion of this road valley. Karachi in turn is nearer to borders are with China, Pakistan and to a full-fledged trade route giving marketing places in the Gulf and Afghanistan and only about 18 % of Kashmir traders an additional option. Europe. these touches the Indian main land. Much of this narrow stripe touches with One expected that in the context of Hence allowing the trade through mountainous Himalayan barriers in the changing character of Indo-Pak Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route will make Himachal with no possible motor-able relations, the process is taken further Kashmiri goods more competitive in the link to Kashmir. Out of this connecting and this route known also as Jhelum i n t e r n a t i o n a l m a r k e t . I n d i a n strip, in terms of topography, only about Valley Road becomes functional for government has been trying to link the its 2% touching Punjab at Akhnoor has frequent travel of people and free flow northeast to Southeast Asia to remove been worthy of developing a road or rail of goods across, removing the its seclusion. Government of India has in connectivity to Jammu part of the psychological barriers between two principle agreed to open this route as state. This point referred to Chicken divided parts. It is this development well. There has been understanding Neck surrounded by Pakistan has that is going to have tremendous with Pakistan on the issue. It needs to remained a vulnerable point of defense positive impact on the economy of the be expedited. Traveling should be for India. people as this route has tremendous simplifies and frequent. Mechanism for e c o n o m i c a d v a n t a g e f o r t h e full-fledged trade initiated with no The national highway, 1A, which links transportation of goods and services to further delay. Significantly even the the Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the outside world, because of the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has India passes through this stripe. relative advantages of security, hinted at opening of more roads and Connecting the valley of Kashmir distance and smoothness. extending them from travel of people to through Jammu has also remained and is vibrant trade activity across even to likely to continue to be a problem. With Unlike the existing unreliable and fair central Asia. Therefore, the reopening all the improvement this highway weather road joining Kashmir with India need to include Punch-Rawalakot between Jammu and Srinagar still works via Banihal, "Srinagar-Muzaffarabad routes as well as other links that only as fair weather road creating lot of road is considered to be safer, shorter traditionally connected different inconveniences for people of Kashmir and more stable. This route will regions of Greater Kashmir with the rest particularly during winter months and particularly be helpful to fruit growers of the world.

Epilogue Ø 40 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008

After 2500 Cr Loss, Eyes On Jhelum Valley Road

Bilal Hussain

The Valley has suffered a whopping cumulative loss of over Rs 2500 crore in the ongoing protests. The protests started over the 100 acres of land transfer to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), which ended up in the 300 Kms Srinagar-Jammu highway blockade -only operational road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of India- for over three weeks. Although the whole issue is purely political in nature but it has adverse affects on the already distressed political economy of the Jammu and Kashmir. The economic blockade has not only affected the business of J&K but to certain extent has affected other states exporting goods here and multinational companies as well.

he business in Jammu and crossed the Rs 5000 crore mark this of Kashmir estimated at over Rs 2500 Kashmir suffers whopping loss financial year. Jammu and Kashmir, crore annually is in a serious jeopardy of over Rs 1500 crore, otherwise, was poised to attract fresh following the enforced economic TAssociated Chambers of investments volume of Rs 28000 crore blockade. "There's no alternative other Commerce and Industry of India by 2012, including export orders of than Jhelum Valley Road," former (ASSOCHAM), highest body of the around Rs 13000 crore. ASSOCHAM said President Kashmir Fruit Growers Chambers of Commerce of India, said on this would have created 2.5 million Association, Imtiyaz Ahmad said. Aug 13. However, the Valley business jobs. chamber and industrialist believe that President Kashmir Chamber of the losses reported by the ASSOCHAM Fruit Industry: Commerce and Industries, Dr Mubeen are on much lower side. Shah, said, "It is our right to seek Horticulture, one of the major markets for our produce and nobody On the contrary to ASSOCHAM report, contributing sectors to the state's gross should have any objection for it," he according to the estimates by the two domestic product (GDP), has badly been said. apex business bodies of Valley, Kashmir affected by the enforced economic Chamber of Commerce and Industry blockade forcing the fruit growers and "In view of the shortage of drugs, (KCCI) and Federation Chamber of traders to look for the Jhelum Valley essential commodities and mounting Industries Kashmir (FCIK) the road option to Muzaffarabad (other side losses to the business community in cumulative losses to the Kashmir is over of LoC). President, Federation Chamber general and apple growers in particular, Rs 2500 crore due to the continuing of Industries Kashmir, Shakeel Qalander we demand that government should protests. said that the fruit industry has suffered think of alternative arrangements of a loss of over Rs 400 crore. According to transportation of goods through "If the agitation goes on, the economy of him the production of fruit in this Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road," said Dr the state will suffer major jolt as people season is over 20 per cent of total Mubeen shah. Earlier, the traders, who had lined up over Rs 5000 crore produce in the Valley. "Till date we business chambers, industrialists, worth of investment for fiscal 2008-09 would have disposed of not more than political and religious organizations of will depart to the neighboring states of Rs 100 crore of the fruit through local Kashmir let by the two jointly given a Punjab, Haryana and Himachal and other means," he said. call for "Muzaffarabad Chalo" to counter Pradesh", ASSOCHAM said. the blockade. The blockade has stopped fruit growers As per its estimates, the state witnessed to export their produce to outside Tourism Industry: increase in investment proposals from Valley. "This used to be the peak time for around $200 million in 2001 to more exports of fruits to outside," said The hoteliers, travel agents and other than $2.3 billion in 2007, a 10-fold president New Kashmir Fruit Association, allied traders associated with tourism increase. This investment would have Bashir Ahmad Bashir. The fruit industry have suffered enormous losses due to

Epilogue Ø 41 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008 the continuing protests. It is a stand still position in the Valley produce and should consume them in and as a result the tourists are forced to bulk," he adds. The oldest and famous travel agency of remain in their hotels, Nasir adds. the state, Shiraz Travels, Director, Nazir Manufacturing Industry: A Bakshi said that in the first half of this The hoteliers blame government for year we have around 4 lakh tourist losses they suffer from the ongoing The business volume of the raw material present in the Valley. "The losses to the protests. "This year we had got bookings based industries in the Valley on tourism industry in totality would be for full hotel rooms for three months in monthly basis is over Rs 1500 crore. "On around Rs 700 cr in the two month of advance. But the government's decision an average the manufacturing industry unrest," he said. of land transfer has financially dented has daily volume of over Rs 50 crore," us," said an hotelier. Qalander adds. The gross profit loss to According to him there very few the sector is over Rs 300 crore, during cancellation but large cancellation are The tourist mainly foreigners have the same period. expected within days, tourist have cancelled their trip to the Valley on the started making queries. “This is the wake of the turbulent condition in Agriculture and service sector: total failure and ignorance on part of Kashmir. "I had booking for tourists from the government. In good early days Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia. But all The losses in the agriculture sector these kinds of situations used to take of them have cancelled their booking would be around Rs 100 crore, an agri- place but government used to reassure and I have suffered huge losses due to economist. Likewise the losses to tourist, hoteliers and travel agencies, their cancellation," said an owner of a service sector excluding the tourism which has not happened till date," he local travel agency. industry would be over Rs 200 crores, it said. includes Information technology sector Handicraft sector: in the Valley, said a software engineer Government should come out with dos Audil Hussain. and don't for the tourist, agencies, President, Kashmir Chamber of hoteliers and other's associated with Commerce and Industry said that the Print Industry: the tourism industry, he said. business fraternity has suffered huge losses over the ongoing protests over The print industry of Kashmir is under While sighing a relief Bakshi said that the economic blockade to the Valley. threat due to the continuing blockade of luckily none of the tourist has been "The loss suffered by the business would Srinagar-Jammu highway. The industry harmed till now. We are great full to be much higher than stated by the manages an annual turnover of Rs 200 people for their corporations, he adds. ASSOCHAM," he said. "The handicraft crores in the Valley alone. industry including carpets would have Chairman Travel Agents Association of suffered a loss of over Rs 300 crore. " The economic blockade has affected India, TAAI, (Kashmir chapter) Nasir over 350 printing units, employing Shah said that lots of cancellation have Trader's loss: thousands of youths. President, Kashmir already started from the general tourist Printers Association, Mukhoor Gowhar, and few of them have postponed their The annual volume of trade in the Valley said that the highway blockade has visits. Those who are present here are is over Rs 30000 crores, said Qalander. affected the printers' business the leaving before their scheduled "We have monthly trade volume of Rs most. departures. 2500 cr in the Kashmir." The 20 per cent of the business volume make a gross "The printing industry is basic for all Government's indifferent attitude has profit loss of over would be Rs 500 crore other sectors," he said. Local suffered the tourism industry in the for a month, which according to him is a newspapers too are running short of Valley. loss to local traders suffered due to newsprint. Some newspapers have continuing protests. stopped printing and most have reduced In my 30 years of career in travel the number of pages to ensure business, I have first time seen world Chairman, Kashmir Traders Federation continuity. famous Dal Lake locked up. There were Jan Muhammad Koul said the Valley not even one single joy ride in the Dal imports food items worth over Rs 30000 On an average 8 trucks of paper arrive in Lake," he said. annually. "We must focus on native the Valley daily. According to Gowhar,

Epilogue Ø 42 × September 2008 I N F O C U S FIRE 2008 government hospitals require huge Traders and businessmen have jointly an emergency meeting of Valley printing supplies in the form of OPD called for vetoing brought in items and industrialists under the chairmanship of tickets and other forms. "Till date we encourage consumption of apple and G M Bhat, President Industrial have managed to supply tickets and other indigenous food items locally. Entrepreneurs Association, which was forms to hospitals without any break but held in the industrial estate Zukara to now we are running short of supplies," The economic blockade has affected discuss the effects of the said blockade he adds. the fruit industry in the Valley. The on the industry and people of Kashmir. blockade has strained the growers, fruit “It was resolved that we would Other industrialists associated with the traders, business persons and others to completely boycott the outside state trade say the paper industry is of utmost consider other viable solutions to products," Bhat adds. importance and government should sustain the fruit industry of the state. ensure supply to printers. The price hike "Locals should consume more apples Formation of Kashmir Economic of over 15 per cent in paper industry has and other indigenous fruits grown in the Front: already affected their business in the Valley. This would ensure the market for Valley. "We were still struggling to the fruits locally and would minimize Recently the business community of manage after recent price hike and now the dependence of fruit industry Kashmir Valley has jointly formed a co- the economic blockade has dented us outside the state," said Imtiyaz. ordination committee, Kashmir financially," said an industrialist. Economic Front, to look into the Former President Kashmir Valley Apple economic aspects of the valley arising According to Gowhar, the government Growers and Dealers Association, out of the economic blockade. departments have started cancellation Ghulam Mustafa said, "It is high time to Representatives of Kashmir Hotel and of orders to the local printers. open all possible routes connecting Restaurant association, Kashmir traders "Government in these tough times Valley to outside world." and manufacturers federation, should stand by us. Instead they are Houseboat owners association, Kashmir threatening us by cancellation notices," Most of the people in the Valley were of transporters federation, Kashmir flour he said. The association said the the opinion that the public should use mills association, and many other have government departments are planning apples instead of chips, and soft drinks jointly formed the front. On Saturday to outsource the work to outsiders. in the marriages, get-togethers and the front has decided to march towards "Outsourcing would mean huge loss to o t h e r f u n c t i o n s a n d p a r t i e s . Muzaffarabad on 11th August 2008, to the unit holders and government should Consumption of apples locally apart export the local produce. Earlier, pro- restrain them from doing this," said a strengthen local economy would freedom leaders, Syed Ali Shah Geelani unit holder. improve public health believe medical on Aug 9, had said that fruit-laden doctors. "An apple a day keeps doctor trucks from all corners of the Valley Presently the printers fear cancellation away, which is true and we must do that would begin their march towards of orders from Kashmir University, in our lives," said Manzoor Ahmad, a Muzaffarabad. banks and hospitals. resident of Budgam. Futuristic views: The prevailing situation demands The apple from valley besides being thorough media coverage and the print supplied to all parts of India is also The commoners in general and media are doing its bit. "Paper supplies exported to countries like Bangladesh, businesspersons in particular in the to the newspapers should be ensured at Nepal, and Srilanka. This year fruit Valley are no more considering Srinagar- all cost," said president, Federation growers in Kashmir were expecting Jammu highway safe, reliable and Chamber of Industries Kashmir, Shakeel more turnovers but the highway enduring route, they have already Qalander. "It is unfortunate on part of blockade has badly affected them started demanding of all-weather and the government," he adds. economically. "Fruits have shorter life sustainable route for trade purposes. span. We fear 90 percent of fruit in Although, there were talks going on at Vetoing outside items: trucks would be rotten by now high level of opening Jhelum Valley road amounting to huge losses," said a fruit leading to other side of Kashmir for Consensus seems to be building among grower. trade purposes but the people are so the local traders in Kashmir on banning eager and demand immediate opening imported food items from other states. In response to the economic blockade of the route.

Epilogue Ø 43 × September 2008